Coping with Stress Triggers

Submitted by Sara Wilmot, 2L, Gonzaga University School of Law, Class of 2020

Camesha Little is Assistant Dean of Students at Gonzaga Law. While her responsibilities within the law school are expansive, she serves an essential role to the success and wellbeing of our students. Her dedication to support makes Dean Little the perfect person to help students identify and cope with the pressures of law school.

“Stress triggers are different for every student and they change as you make your way through law school,” said Little. For entering 1Ls, adjusting to the structure and process of law school is the first big hurdle. Undergraduate students are used to structure and feedback. “We strip all of that away, while simultaneously increasing the expectations,” said Little. For 1Ls, the key is conquering the unknown.

The 2L hurdle shifts to balancing your time. 2Ls are more involved in school actives like clubs, moot court and law review. Many are balancing internships along with class loads. “It’s a matter of juggling responsibilities with exhaustion,” said Little. “But it’s all possible!” 

3L year brings about the wonder of what life after law school will look like. The bar is looming. The financial pressures of student loan debt make finding a job essential. With the finish line in sight, 3Ls must make that final push.  

Students deal with external pressures of the outside world as well. “It can be difficult to keep and maintain relationships with people,” said Little. “We all have to balance our school lives with what happens outside of this building.”

Dean Little’s advice for managing it all? Perspective.

 “Remember your whys,” she said. “Why are you here? What are your goals? We often do more than we need to accomplish our goals.” Little emphasizes the importance of evaluating and assessing ourselves. “Check in with yourself, and ensure you’re heading where you want to go,” said Little. “Give yourself the grace to shift.”

Law and stress go hand in hand. Little’s advice is to practice responses to stress now. “Law school is different from legal practice, but regardless you’re always busy,” she said. So, treat law school as a training ground to practice your response and learn stress management.

If your 1L year is full of uncertainty Little suggests doing things to build your confidence. “If you’re worried about exams, do practice questions, use your tutors. Lean into the learning curve and do your best,” she added.

The 2L remedy is a little different. “Remember the end result is to be a lawyer,” said Little. Practicing law requires competency. “This means being physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually present for your client. So, you can’t spread yourself too thin,” she said. Little’s best tip? Learn to say no when you have too much on your 2L plate.

As the end approaches, the best advice for 3Ls is to be prepared. For the bar and the job hunt Little’s says start early. “Trust what you know about yourself. How you study, and where you want to work,” said Little. She also reminds 3Ls to appreciate their hard work as law school comes to an end. “It’s important to process the big moments in our lives,” she added.  

Regardless of where you are in your law school journey, Little reminds us to be kind to ourselves. “Give yourself permission to mess up. Don’t judge yourself. Realize you are human,” she said. “It’s okay to have big dreams. But be consistent in your practice and be consistent with yourself.”

Dean Little provided a list of student resources for a little extra help in coping with the pressures. All support groups are for GU students and free of charge.

There are several support groups including:

Adjusting to Life At GU
Aug. 28, Aug. 29, Aug. 30, Aug. 31 & Sept. 4 @ 12noon

Level Up Your Life: Gaming Group
Wednesdays | Sept. 19 - Nov. 28 @ 3:15p

Positive Psychology Workshop & Support Group
Tuesdays | Oct. 9 - Dec. 4 @ 12:15p

LGBTQ+ Support Group
Tuesdays | Oct. 16 - Dec. 4 @ 4:15p

Coping with Difficult People
*details coming soon*

Grief Support Group
*details coming soon*

Support for Students on the Autism Spectrum
*details coming soon*
All support groups are for GU Students and free of charge. Groups are led by a licensed staff therapist at Heath & Counseling Services.
All groups are held at 704 E. Sharp

Grief Support Group for GU Students

Gonzaga Health & Counseling Services’ Grief Support Group provides opportunities for learning and coping with the loss of a loved one. The group generally meets Tuesday 12:15 – 1:30. The group will meet at Health & Counseling Services, 704 E. Sharp. It is no cost and students can join anytime. Lunch will be provided. Visit https://gonzaga.campuslabs.com/engage/event/1760758 for more information.

Online Resources

Our online wellness toolbox is available to you with various resources whenever you think you might want or need it.https://www.gonzaga.edu/Student-Development/Wellbeing-Resources/Wellness-Toolbox.asp There is also a grief toolkit.

Health & Counseling Services

704 E. Sharp

509-313-4052

studenthealth@gonzaga.edu

A full team of mental and physical health providers are available for one-on-one and small group counseling.  Students can walk in any time or make an appointment, Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm, Thursdays, 10am-5pm.

University Ministry

Hemmingson Center, 1^st Floor, Suite 104

509-313-4242

umin@gonzaga.edu

The University Ministry team is available to meet with students, faculty, and staff to provide support, including spiritual and pastoral care.  This office is open Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5pm.

Center for Cura Personalis

729 E. Boone

509-313-2227

ccp@gonzaga.edu

Case managers are available to meet with students to connect them resources, provide support, and assist in navigating challenges that arise.  This office is open Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm.

First Call for Help

509-838-4428

This resource is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide a supportive listener, immediate assistance for individuals in crisis, and connection to community resources.