Because five years ago, 9-22-2021, I hit “post” here for the first time.

I hoped to find law students who might need my tutoring help.
(I also secretly hoped someone would notice me and offer me a “real” job.)

What I found instead was a professional home, a workplace, and eventually all of you.

And THAT feels worth celebrating.

I was skeptical about Jimmy. Jimmy Lai

And I underestimated him.

In fact, when he sent me a copy of his book, “Quietly Influential,” all I could think was:

▪️ What did some random Oklahoma lawyer who’d started posting years after me have to teach me about LinkedIn?

On the outside, I seemed to have it all together:
—a top GPA,
—a job lined up for fall, and
—a law review Note ready to publish.

What could I be stressed about?

As it turned out, a lot.

We started this whole journey together, you know. You and me. This is year THREE! You guys are my original gang. I know your names. Your faces. Your fears, your triumphs.

I don’t care: whatever your class rank, your post-law-school-job plan, or the numbers in your GPA. If you’re prone to anxiety & depression like me, the specter of law school ending may seem NOT A-OK.

As I’ve written about before, my anxiety got so debilitating during my 3L spring that I ended up lying flat on my back at home.

It’s official trademark status for Dear 1L!

I don’t quite know yet where I’m taking any of this, but it makes me feel proud to be building something that’s helping so many people.

Your support has meant the world to me. Thank you. Writing to you has brought me great joy.