Osler's Razor: Sunday Reflection: Bittersweet Commencement

Sunday, May 11, 2014

Sunday Reflection: Bittersweet Commencement

I love my job here at St. Thomas Law School. Here are some of the reasons why.

Josh wrote a remarkable paper for me, about the problems veterans returning from active duty face in the criminal justice system. It taught me something-- a lot, really-- and other people need to read it. Some students write things I like, some that I approve of, and once in a while I get one that I admire. This was one of those.

Here is Charles, who was took most of my classes and worked with me in the clemency clinic. Before law school, he was a Marine and then returned to the Red Lake reservation, where he worked as a police officer (and then the chief of police). He was a comrade to me, in that he understood (as I do) the challenges of working on that side. I hate to see him go, but I love thinking of the things he will do.

This is Caitlin, who came to St. Thomas from Hawaii, via Baylor undergrad. She is one of the most engaged students I have ever had. She was all in, both in class and in the clinic, and brought a wonderful focus, intelligence, and compassion to her work. I will miss her.

This is Jose, who just finished my Criminal Practice class. I loved having him in class. He's off to work for Harlem Legal Services, and I know he is going to do great things there.

This is Debbie, who came from Ireland via India and did 10,000 good things while she was in law school. I got a sense of how she did it when she was in my clinic last year and I observed her deft and deep intellect at work.

Kelly wrote her major paper under my supervision, and she owned it. She wrote, apparently in one fell swoop, a remarkable analysis of the challenges felons face in seeking work. Importantly, crucially, her paper didn't just identify a problem, but solutions. In class, she was a wonderful presence, and an incisive thinker. She's got more great work to do!

Maria was in my Sentencing and Criminal Practice classes this year, and rocked them both. When I was grading sentencing finals, I came across one answer that was just perfect-- better than my key. It was Maria's.

Finally, here are Nicole and Ted from my clemency clinic this year. I loved the work they did, and found each of them to be inspiring to me at one time or another. They came into law school with remarkable skills-- and hopefully got some new tools as they go forward to exceed what we teachers might have done.

There are many others, but I am out of room for pictures...