i got a phone call.

i didn't recognize the number so i let it go to voicemail.

i googled the number.

the fifth circuit court of appeals.

what?!?!

not.....me???

i listened to the message.

yes, they meant to call me.

they are interested in having me in to discuss a spring internship.

the fifth circuit court of appeals is the creme de la creme.

it is one step below the supreme court of the united states.

they want me.

but i already have an internship.

and the position really wouldn't help with my recently decided career path.

but its the fifth circuit court of appeals.

i ran to go talk to my career counselor.

there is this weird rule in law school - that if a judge offers you an internship - you must take it.  there is no "thinking about it." If you meet with them, you must be prepared to accept a position.  its a sign of respect.

i have already accepted a position with a judge, so i can't retract. I'm excited about the judge i am with, so i don't even really want to retract.  but this is one of those once in a lifetime opportunities.

so i frantically told my counselor what was happening.

she told me...you have to think about if this is going to further the career you want.  which we both know it won't.  not directly anyway.

then she went on to tell me exactly what i needed to hear.

"let this be the validation you have been searching for.  let this boost your ego a little bit.  tell them you are flattered but you already have a position and focus on what you want to be doing."

one thing about upper level education - is that the career counselors know you.  they know what you need and what you want, if you let them.  the school has an incentive to better their reputation by putting as many people as they can in to jobs.  its a mutual effort.

i've never experienced anything like it.

i want to be a family lawyer.

and even though my grades afford me an opportunity to do something more "prestigious" i will follow my dreams and put my pride aside.

its what got me where i am.

stay straight on the path.

until next time.