So I need to make a confession. Over the summer I took a really big risk. I signed up for the Ohio Bar Exam. I was very fortunate that my coworkers, family and a very select few friends knew and supported me. I signed up in the winter time; then I picked a bar study course (Barbri huge shout out!)
We made it one of my goals at work to study for the bar and to prepare; they were behind me every step of the way.
Then around mid June the anxiety kicked in. I confided in Mom and Grant that I was really struggling with the amount of studying and working. We all agreed that it was time to put my two weeks in. I told my boss and while she wished there were other options she was still my mentor and supported me. We decided that after the bar, when I was functional enough, I had a home to come back too.
I traded my 8:30-5 corporate job for an even more challenging job. A full time studier! I was really really fortunate and my law school found out through Barbri that I was planning to retake and they offered me guidance and a customized study plan. I met with my Criminal Law professor and she helped me decide a plan of attack (around 100 multiple choice questions, then four essays a day.) It was tough and grueling but I knew if I put the work in then it would pay off. I also met with our career guidance counsel, Shari, who couldn’t have been a better accountability partner. She had me bring in my score every week and go over where I was struggling and excelling. She even was there for me with the anxiety ridden text messages to remind me to stick to the plan and if I did that I had a good chance.
I woke up everyday at 8am, got dressed, packed my lunch and went over to campus to study. I watched lectures from 9-1; then lunch. Next it was multiple choice time for about 45 questions and then you guessed it, essay time! After essay time my amazing fiancé, Grant, usually had dinner for us so I could come home or leave my home office to eat dinner, watch an hour or so of TV and have puppy cuddles. Then it was back to the multiple choice with a review session of what I’ve missed since the start. He took care of the house, worked full time and provided as much support as I needed. I couldn’t have done it without him.
Suddenly it was time; the weekend before the bar. I am hunkered down in the library in Cincinnati putting in last minute reviews. When Sunday night came we did a big dinner out (I was allowed to study on the way there but it had to go in the trunk on the way home mom insisted. For those of you who don’t know my mom, well she is a force I still don’t wanna question.) Once we got home I watched tv then headed to bed.
Monday before the bar I did a little self pampering, I had one of my best friends and hair stylist (she really should just be called a hair goddess) squeeze me in for a de-stress session. Did I say that I meant hair transformation (lol!). Then mom and I loaded up her car and we were off to Columbus. We got to our hotel early evening and mom was already scoping out getting me out to keep me from stressing (she’s really great that way). We walked and walked then decided on this cute little Mexican street food restaurant. The tacos were amazing, the margaritas were to celebrate for! Then we walked some more before settling into the hotel for the evening.
It’s Tuesday Morning and it’s time to wake up for the bar. Mmy alarm goes off with it’s “Perfect Day” by Hoku. It’s kinda my theme song when I need good luck. (Yes it’s the opening song in Legally Blonde. I’ve already warned you it really is my movie.) Mom and I grab breakfast then walk over to the convention center. I said good bye to mom, my Apple Watch and my phone, but it was worth it! After two multistage performance tests it was time to grab lunch, see mama bear and breathe. I felt like it was going well so far then back in for six essays. I left feeling exhausted but still good. I had a mini panic attack when I couldn’t get my answers submitted online but that passed quickly when I got it submitted in the lobby. Then mom and I did pedicures and hit Melt up! When we finally got back to the hotel we were understandably exhausted.
Okay Wednesday is here. It’s time for 200 multiple choice questions overall. I did one hundred in the morning, had lunch with my mom, then back in for another hundred questions. After I walked out I just felt dead and exhausted. Thankfully I didn’t need to upload essay answers tonight. The good news when I was too exhausted to want to do anything I got really lucky that mom had plans for us. We went and did candle making! My candle turned out smelling like a freshly baked bakery. Then we grabbed burgers and vegan shakes. Once back in the hotel we watched the Lake House and went to bed.
Okay last day six more essays then freedom! I picked up all my bags (thankfully mom loaded up the car while I was in the bar.) We walked over to the convention center I got all my exam stuff ready and boom we’re off. I wrote all my essays then time was called. I packed my bag, walked back to the hotel, submitted my essays, got in the car and drove away!
Fast forward to today and I’m hyperventilating as I see my name on the list! Its official I’m going to get sworn in and I’ll be an attorney. Hello I’m Monica Carson attorney at law.
The Real Elle Woodz 