A Judicial Journal

It’s finally summer! My friends are sunburnt and applying for seasonal jobs, and today I finished my Judicial homework. My mom gave me this notebook and suggested I jot down some thoughts at the end of each day.

Day 1 – Sunday

Today I flew by myself for the first time. At the Richmond airport I found some high schoolers in TeenPact shirts, and we hung out until a staffer picked us up. Although I was out of my element, people were friendly and good conversation made the drive to Liberty a pleasant one. Once there, staffers and students greeted us with hugs and highfives. I donned the navy lanyard handed to me and suddenly felt at home. It’s hard to explain, but I just feels right to be at TeenPact. Remember how I felt during First Reads at State Class? This day was like that. I want to do this, and it’s going to stretch me.

Day 2 – Monday

Ok, so everything I’ve heard about the legendary Professor Rost is TRUE! Not just him, but each professor who has spoken to us makes my brain feel like a sponge that’s too small for everything I want to learn here. It’s like I’m actually at law school… but with TeenPacters! I woke up in a panic this morning thinking I’d left my laptop at home, but it’s here. How I managed to lose my name tag already, I don’t know. Anyway, it’s been a solid day, and I think I can do this. It won’t be comfortable but it will be worth it!

Day 3 – Tuesday

We were in lectures for the whole morning, and I’m so pleased that each has been substantive and interactive. Definitely getting my money’s worth! I’m a little jealous that returning Judicial students get to participate in Professor Rost’s top secret “Judicial Alumni Track.” I’m already thinking about next summer and coming back to see what it’s all about. I’ve been making some friends. Some are in my Law Firm (like a Small Group) where we’re comfortable to share different perspectives on the Moot Court case or even complex theological subjects. My roommate is asking me to proof their Oral Arguments before Lights Out; gotta go!

Day 4 – Wednesday

The staff devotion this morning resonated with some of my fears about the Moot Court Tournament starting tomorrow. Hearing that personal testimony from a past Judicial student like me gave me confidence. Here was their advice: “work hard, and trust God for the results; in the end, it’s our relationships with God and with others that matter most.” Today’s highlight was playing frisbee and soccer on the beautiful campus fields. I needed to run off some of my nervous energy. Bring on the tournament!

Day 5 – Thursday

Where has the week gone?!? My first round went smoothly, but guess who was the judge in my second round? The actual Dean of THE Law School! I mean really, what 16-year-old gets to stand before Dean Faulkner and do it in front of a replica of the United State Supreme Court bench? I argue again tomorrow morning. Instead of stressing over my arguments, I’m thinking over these days. These people, my Judicial family, were strangers only a few days ago. In what feels like the blink of an eye, nervous students filling rows of chairs around me are now the ones supporting me the most. And I’ve seen how much they’ve grown; I really can’t help rooting for them too.

Day 6 – Friday

I just can’t wait until tonight to write about what’s happened today. Against all my expectations, I actually advanced to the final round. I’m humbled by the encouragement from my Law Firm. More than anything, I’m grateful for the spiritual focus brought even to this, the week’s climax. They’re calling me now for group prayer before the judges arrive. Here goes!

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