one other thing

I know, it's probably already tedious to hear about all the nice things my classmates say and do. But, when I went into one room looking for Twists Girl and this guy followed me in and said quietly behind me, "[Insert Name here}, I think we're in room 357" - that was when I realized how lucky I am. Again.

The first person I saw today? Cute Blond Louisiana Boy. As I walked to the final he was driving and slowed down to shout out at me.

Then the last person from school? Son of DPI and walked out together - it was late and dark and I didn't want to walk alone. Along the way, every person I asked where they were going to see if they wanted an escort also, they all offered me a ride. Son of DPI was having a party tonight, and I know I can come any time he does, but he doesn't directly invite me anymore because I don't want to.

We're a community of people looking out for each other. This one guy who asked, we've only ever spoken once. We're in a class together, but every time I'm around he gets really shy or something. Maybe because I'm white, I dunno. But damn it, I will make him like me. I was going to walk out with him, but he was in totally the wrong direction. And I talked to two women today for the first time - we were in classes together but never spoke. And now we're part of the same circle. They may be next to guide me to the right classroom or send me unsolicited study materials or offer me a ride or make me laugh.

I don't know if it's the South or what, but I like it, how we look out for each other. One woman was giving everybody hugs today before the test. I of course stepped out of line for that action, but it was really a nice gesture.

I remember in my undergrad years in Oregon, we had this visiting prof from Russia who asked the class one day where somebody was. We looked at each other - how the hell would we know? And I thought he was weird at the time, to expect us to talk to each other or know each others' names. There were probably 10 of us.

Now I think that's weird.

We are a community here, and we will look out for each other. I guess this is the school spirit I never really had before.

I'm still staying in my protective bubble and stopping short of socializing with most people, but it's nice that they let me be on the periphery like that. No forced compliance, no enforced agenda.

That I'm able to say nice things about my law school during finals - well, it's pretty amazing.