I like to think of myself as one of the most non-traditional students at BC Law. I have a three-year-old daughter named Rose, who I am simply obsessed with. I am in my 30’s, a fact which seems to shock my classmates. I am an Active Duty Military member of the U.S. Coast Guard, having served eight years of service already, and I will (hopefully) get to serve at least twelve more. My little brother is also a 1L, grinding through his first year at BC Law and thriving.

Lastly, I am a transfer student. 

I can safely say none of my other classmates have the mother/older/military/sibling/transfer combination going for them. Settling into my 1L year at my previous law school was difficult, as I felt that some of my differences made me stand out in the classroom in the worst possible way. When the opportunity presented itself to apply for a transfer, I thought: Why not? Aside from my one friend in 1L, I probably would not fit in any less at the next school! With this (debatably) depressing attitude, I applied to transfer to BC Law. I can confidently say that the transfer was the best decision for both me and my family.

I won’t sugarcoat it: starting over at a new law school is hard. You feel like a 1L again, having to make new friends while learning to navigate the confusing ways East Wing and Stuart House connect. However, each day got a little easier and I quickly felt very comfortable in the BC Law environment. People talk about BC Law as the “Disneyland of Law Schools” due to the quality of student life, and I can whole-heartedly attest to this fact after experiencing two different law schools. I’ve made particularly close friends with other transfer students who understand the uncomfortable nature of a new law school. I filled my schedule with public interest courses, preparing myself for my legal career as a government attorney. I also get to see my little brother randomly in the halls, so what’s not to love about that?

For anyone considering transferring, simply ask yourself, “Why?” For example, is your current school not serving you or your family? For me, my previous law school held many upper-level classes in the evenings, which was just not feasible for me since I would have to miss my daughter’s bedtime every night. This aspect made the decision easier for me. 

Ultimately, the transfer decision is up to you and your particular circumstances. If you do some soul searching and you’re still intrigued, my best advice is to at least apply to transfer to the school you think would fit best. You never know if you might get in, unless you try!

---

Jaime Brady is a third-year student at BC Law. Contact her at bradyjv@wakeikyo.com.