Week two on the west coast.

As far as transitioning into a new life where I don't have any friends, contacts (outside of family an hour away) or knowledge...it's been a breeze. Since I've moved out here into the suburbs of eastern Los Angeles (note: 'suburbs' cannot be compared at all to those in TN. Suburbs here have a millions of people and cannot be differentiated aesthetically at all from metropolitan LA), it's been mostly business: buying all the necessary goods required of a new house, driving around learning about my area and preparing myself for my first year of law school.

I'll start with law school. I am taking a mock course, 'Legal Analysis and Writing.' It's a three week course (Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings 6-9PM) taught by a professor from USC that consists generally of tort and criminal law cases. Each class requires reading of 3-4 cases that we are to brief and/or memo. During class, we analyze each and every possible aspect of the case. In addition, our professor prepares us for what we are to expect from our actual professors this fall. Each class, we are individually challenged (a euphemism for intellectually demolished in front of the class) on our briefing on each case. We have an exam upon completion of the course.

I can see why legal training for attorneys can be compared to physical training for the armed forces. The training is rigorous and competitive; an examination of endurance and will. This 'training' ignites a spirit of competition in myself that not many other facets of my life offer. I have to constantly be on my guard and prepared for absolutely anything that comes my way.

Apart from school, news is pretty good. My first week was painfully dull, with my time spent outside of class and errands in constant desperation for something productive to do. I spent some hours reading, setting up my stereo system, watching TV (a rarety for me outside college sports) and playing guitar.

Socially, things have really gone well, even this week. Not to sound narcisstic, but networking has never been a concern of mine (in fact, I view it as a distraction because I enjoy it so much). The first week was quite boring, as I stayed home. However, I've become on name basis with most of the 30 students in my class and become good friends with my future roommate Natalie, who moves in next week. I hung out with Natalie and a few of her friends in Orange County yesterday, and am going to Knott's Berry Farm (theme park) and the beach with some of her friends on Sunday.

As far as thoughts politically....I have quite a few, but this post is long enough. I'll wait for another day.

In conclusion, things are going great. I love my new life, but I miss Tennessee and every one of my friends back home. I am sure this year is going to go by fast...all I have to do is work my butt off and evaluate my situation in about ten months. If I succeed, rank high enough and find that law school is right for me, I can consider transferring to a nationally reputable school. The good news is that I am certainly not wasting my time...and in respect to a full tuition ride and future opportunities, not much money this year, either.

Alright, finally settled in as California's newest resident.

The move here is a new chapter in my life. It's a very new experience living out here again. I was born and raised in Southern California until I was eight years old, and have returned to visit family almost every single year (often more than once). The Jensen-Alvarado Ranch, home of my ancestors and founders of Riverside, lies just five miles from my new home.

I officially live in Fontana, CA, a suburb on the main city's eastern side. Although considered a 'suburb,' it feels anything but just that. Fast-paced freeways accompany my commute to school, crowded shopping centers and malls line the city, and the ethnically mixed population (whites are 30% of this area) makes me feel about as far away from the green, quiet rolling hills I've surrounded myself with the past 15 years.

My new house!

I still miss Tennessee a great deal and deep inside feel that it won't be long before I return. However, this new environment provides me with the environment for me to maximize my full potential as a potential immigration attorney.

The demographics of the area perhaps get me most excited about my future. Spanish is the main language here, and I use it about 50% of my day running errands and/or talking to neighbors. For someone who wants to use Spanish in his career, this makes me full of excitement knowing that I can use my interest in daily life.

I've been taking a 'mock course' at the law school that is offered for no credit. Called 'legal writing,' I spend my Monday, Tuesday and Thursday nights getting verbally and intellectually abused. We have studied two cases just this week and required to read/write about two hours of material each day. Not bad thus far, but I cannot imagine taking five of these classes (which I will in about three weeks).

I'll post tonight or tomorrow about my conversation with the border patrol in El Paso and the hopeless situation on the Mexican side of the border.

Transition Out West

Just arrived in El Paso, Texas en route to my brand new house in California. With my close friend Michael Mace, we spent left Nashville early Tuesday morning, spending the first night in Dallas visiting my family/staying overnight, the second night here in El Paso, TX, and with the last being tomorrow at my new home in Fontana, CA just outside Los Angeles.

Excellent trip thus far. A LOT of driving, but highlighted by us nearly running out of gas in the Texas desert, as well as stopping by the border despite the violence and having a conversation with border patrol first hand. 

Share my thoughts tomorrow or Saturday on the trip and my new home!