From Rejection to Resilience: A Letter to Aspiring Women in Law

If someone had told me three years ago that I’d be writing this as a graduating law student, I might have laughed — not out of disbelief, but exhaustion. I was tired. Tired from taking the LSAT three times, tired from watching friends get acceptances while I was met with rejection, and tired from balancing a full-time professional job with my dreams. But here I am, J.D. in hand as of May 9th, a full-time associate position at a wonderful law firm lined up, leadership positions I never imagined holding behind me, and internship and clerkship experiences that still leave me speechless.

This is for the woman who feels like law school might be just out of reach. I see you. I was you. And I want you to know, not only is it possible, but the very obstacles you're facing may become the foundations of your greatest strength.

Let’s start with the truth: I didn’t get into law school the first time I applied. And I didn’t ace the LSAT on my first try, either. I took it three times. Each attempt felt like a test of my worth, not just my ability. But eventually, I learned the mechanics of the exam and things aligned—or maybe it was just that I refused to give up. Either way, my acceptance came not when I expected it, but right when I was ready for it (with a scholarship too).

Once I started law school, the grind didn’t stop. I worked throughout—not just part-time, but sometimes full-time hours—to support myself financially. It was hard. It was humbling. But it was mine, so I owned it.

If you’re preparing for law school now, here’s the practical wisdom I want to pass down:

• Prepare as much as you can. Law school is a marathon that starts fast and rarely slows down. If you can get familiar with the structure of a case, start building your legal vocabulary, or even shadow a law student—do it.
• Learn your learning style early. If you have a learning disability, seek out accommodations now. Law school isn’t about doing it all alone; it’s about doing what you need to succeed. Don’t be discouraged by the negative connotations associated with “disability.” Some of the best students have accommodations and know it doesn’t impact how they’re perceived.
• Save money where you can. Financial stress is real, and every cushion helps.
• Find community. Reach out to current or former students at the schools you’re interested in. Learn from their wins and their mistakes.

The truth is, you can’t fully prepare for what law school will be. But you can give yourself a head start.

Beyond the books and briefs, here’s the real heart of law school—and life—as I’ve come to know it:

1. Stay true to yourself.

Growth is part of this journey. You will change, so let that change make your twelve-year-old self proud. You’ve likely developed survival mechanisms over the years; it’s okay to release them. You no longer need to survive—you’re here to thrive. You made the decision to pursue law, which means you already believe in yourself enough to bet on the unknown. Hold on to that.

2. Don’t take the easy route—build sustainable habits.

Law school will test every part of you, and shortcuts won’t sustain you when it does. Learn how you learn. Build a routine that supports your mind and body. Develop resilience. Train yourself to pivot. Shed the victim mindset and step fully into the role of a victor. When your habits align with your purpose, you will shine from the inside out—and no one can take that from you.

3. Have grace for yourself.

This is all new. You’ll be surrounded by brilliance and it’s easy to start doubting yours. Don’t. The environment may feel competitive—and it is—but you weren’t called here to compare. You were called to contribute. Focus on your lane, speak kindly to yourself, and use your mistakes as springboards. The grading system, internship pipeline, and law school politics may feel bigger than you, but remember this: You are capable. You are worthy. And you belong.

Law school won’t be perfect. But it will be powerful. Every late night, every “no” that turned into a “yes,” every moment you felt like giving up but didn’t—it all matters. It all builds you.

I wouldn't change a single part of my journey. Not even the rejections, with an “s”. They taught me how to fight for myself, and more importantly, how to believe in the woman I was becoming. Today, I love her so much.

So, to every woman out there dreaming of a seat in the classroom, let me be the first to tell you: You’ve got this. And when it gets hard—because it will—remember that hard things are proof that you are growing.

See you on the other side.

With love,
Addison “Addie” Robinson
Mercer University School of Law
Class of 2025