From Story Books to Law Books - How changing my degree changed my life.

A personal blog by Aimee Gaches.

Two years ago, I made the decision to switch degrees, from English and Creative Writing to Law. I knew it would be a difficult and challenging transition, but little did I know how much it would change me and open my eyes to such an exciting and interesting industry.

I was originally torn between Law and English when filling out the UCAS forms back in sixth form, once I discovered it was possible with my A-Levels. As a young girl I was shy and had a lot of self-doubt which was reflected in my choice to pursue a degree in English and Creative Writing originally. That little voice in my head was telling me I didn’t have what it takes, and I had no idea what to expect.

That voice certainly was right that I had no idea what to expect, how competitive and complex law and the industry is, but it wasn’t correct that I didn’t have what it takes. Referring back to being a shy young girl, I was often a victim of bullying because I was quiet, and I could not stand up for myself and argue back. Justice was always at the heart of what I did. Even when considering a career in teaching I was determined to provide children and young adults with the education they deserved. This passion for justice further influenced the transition between my degrees. Knowing that I could qualify and train towards providing justice for others was a huge motivating factor, arguing for them now I have the voice to do so.

It came as a shock when I was recommended as senior counsel for my first moot, as part of my assessments in first year. If you had told my teenage self others believed she was a confident speaker and was put forward for this role she wouldn’t have believed you. It certainly was an eye-opening experience, to learn courtroom etiquette and how to bounce back from setbacks. Unfortunately, some of my notes became muddled on the table and my speech became a mess! The pressure became real, and I was overwhelmed.

It's overcoming the setbacks which I believe is a huge aspect of an education and future career in law. I could have finished there, humiliated and worried I had messed up. I persevered, focusing on the positives knowing it was only the beginning. I needed to take a deep breath, and it was reassuring one of my lecturers sent me a kind email to acknowledge my strengths in the moot.

You will no doubt be met with more setbacks and potential disappointment, like grades you wish were higher or rejections from firms. In my first year I knew how important it was to pass, but I now know how much harder I wish I had worked to achieve beyond a pass and showcase what I was capable of.

I have absolutely no doubt about my transition from English to Law. I have learnt so much not just about the Law itself, but I have also learnt a lot about my resilience, personal motivation and strength. Balancing that academic and social life is a struggle all university students can relate to. I can’t deny that I was keen to explore the student night life and chaos in my fresher year, but deep down I knew all I wanted was peace and serenity. Oh, and to be in bed by 11pm.

The discipline to get my head in the game and work to the best of my ability for this degree soon reflected in both academic and personal life. I felt more optimistic about broadening my learning and pushing myself to do what it takes, within reason, to achieve the best grades possible. I wanted to be the best version of myself and become a role model for those around me. My family are proud of the transition I have made and how much I’ve flourished as a result. It’s my Mum who always goes on about “I can’t believe you stood up in that court as senior counsel after everything you’ve been through”. Neither can I.

I like to believe that University is a time to truly discover who you are. Through setbacks and mistakes I have made, I feel I have now found the version of myself I enjoy being around and push to the best of my ability. I am a completely different person from when I moved into my first-year accommodation as a fresher and I think a lot of graduates can agree with that.

As I continue into my final and third year of studying Law, I can only encourage those wanting to pursue a career in Law to go for it. One of the best decisions you can make.

P.S. make sure you like coffee as you’ll be pulling late ones for sure, but the hard work is worth it.