This wasn’t the first reflection of the week. Let’s go through the week sequentially, shall we?
Last Final Assessment: LAW483 – Moral and Ethical Issues in Law
Our exam season ended with the last of 5 law papers. An elective: LAW483 – Moral and Ethical Issues in Law.
This was one subject that I did not enjoy. My approach to studying this round has evolved compared to my first time doing the programme. When I first took an Elective paper, it was Law and Politics taught by Irmohizam Ibrahim (now Dato’ Sri Dr. Hj.).
I submitted my feedback on the subject and the lecturer through the platform before the exam began. Truth be told, I am surprised by how much I did not learn from this one paper. I’m sure not all my classmates share the same sentiment. Understandably some would want a paper that’s a sure pass.
What I wasn’t fond of with this paper is that the lecturer was generally dismissive about both differing or dissenting opinions. One can argue “that’s because the students didn’t make their case”. I agree. It’s because we collectively gave up after the third or fourth lecture. Academic scepticism is fair. Outright dismissal is something different altogether. In a nutshell, I did not learn anything new. YouTube offered better discourses on the topics than the lecturer. Thus, a waste of time and energy.
I dropped out of law school once before. Sure pass isn’t something I’m aiming for personally. It didn’t sink in at the time, but I held a strict: understand-or-fail approach this round.
The paper is concluded. Nothing much to say. What’s done is done. I am expecting to fail this elective though.
Conclusion of Year 1
At 11:21am on Wednesday, my fellow group member shared in our WhatsApp group: “Congrats guys dah habis first year” (Congratulations, guys[.] First year completed.)
In 2007, I was excited when we concluded our First Year. Come 2021, it didn’t occur to me that we did it. Not all of our classmates stayed on in the second semester. Taking up part-time studies, especially a legal studies degree, isn’t easy. One has to juggle studies, work, family, and personal time as the pandemic rages on. It definitely takes its toll on even the best of us. I wanted to give up midway through my first semester!
At the same time, I decided to approach things a bit differently compared to before. “Before” refers to “2006-2008” and “Semester 1”. After the papers were done, I realised I’ve been neglecting my part in keeping track of my periodical performance in class.
In addition to that, I also realised that I was merely going through the motion. I needed to own my Bachelor of Legal Studies (Hons) journey. Otherwise, it’s meaningless when I am qualified to receive the scroll from the Pro-Chancellor one day down the road.
I’m also tired of taking things for granted. I’ve been given a second chance. Yes, it’s not under the best circumstances. My anxiety attacks crippled me in June forcing me to hand in my 14-day notice on July 1st, 2021. Midway I was unemployed. I don’t know any better despite concluding my first year. I needed to get my act together. Not just for my studies, but also for my wellbeing and mental health.
After our last paper, I turned to Excel and started to develop a sheet that helps me see where things stood for me.
AldricToyad.com
Under the current Online Distance Learning (ODL) framework, the continuous assessment (CMA) contributes 60% to the final score. The finals themselves make up the remaining 40%. Often we would know how much our carry marks/CMA are before the finals begin. What we don’t know are the exact marks we scored in the finals. So I worked backwards using what we do know: the grades, pointer, and general range.
So what good is this information to me?
Marks are indicative. It shows an understanding of the concepts and principles. The assessment comes at different stages measuring understanding at different levels. What I want to do is ensure it’s consistently high.
In addition to that, I also want to ensure that I understand more than just what’s required by the examinations. Exams cover basic principles. I doubt we even scratch the surface with it. The knowledge, however, is good enough for further reading and studies.
Considering that I have a clean slate to start over, I was also wondering what is my purpose in pursuing a Bachelor of Legal Studies (Hons) at Universiti Teknologi MARA via the iCEPS division. When asked, I’ve given these answers one way or another:
- Wanting to close a decade-old chapter without regret;
- Wanting to (re-)validate that the skills I learnt in 2004-2006 and 2006-2008 have helped me in my career and diploma studies.
Do I want to practice law? Truth be told I’m unsure if being a lawyer is something I’d like to do. No doubt passing my CLP, completing my chambering, and getting called to the Bar are amazing milestones and would help me with my career. Do I see myself being a lawyer eventually?
I don’t know if I will practice. The legal area I’m interested in are not exactly money-making: constitutional law and administrative law. There are overlaps in what I really am interested in: strategic communications and political marketing. It certainly isn’t as sexy – or lucrative – as corporate law. Think Danny Crane, Alan Shore, Harvey Specter, Mike Ross, and Jessica Pearson.
For income, I do know I want to remain in consulting for small and medium enterprises at a regional (ASEAN or APEC) level.
What next after completing the Bachelor of Legal Studies (Hons)?
I’m not backing down on my desire to gain a Master of Law (LL.M.) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA).
Call with a Master’s Candidate at Imperial College London
On Thursday morning I had a long chat with my friend. He’s currently undertaking his Master’s degree at Imperial College London. He is one wonderful and inspiring guy I knew from my earlier years in UiTM. He went on to graduate with his engineering degree while I dropped out. It was an insightful 95-minute call where he shared his approach to finding a university where he can pursue a Master’s degree in an area he is passionate about – sustainability.
He encouraged me to consider doing my Master’s abroad. At least in the United Kingdom. He shared with me how we have been told (dimomok-momokkan) that we’re not good enough for too long. It’s time that we do something to end the cycle.
I took what he said to heart and dived into identifying where I’d like to pursue an LL.M. after my BLS. Again, I turned to Excel. The screenshot is a second attempt I concluded yesterday. Just before bed on Friday night, I realised I neglected to include faculty-centric ranking.
AldricToyad.Com
;kj
I built the database first using the QS 2021 World Universities Ranking. I compiled the list to include universities from the United States, the United Kingdom, Malaysia, the Philippines, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Republic of Ireland. After the ranking, I added another dimension: world rank by faculty. Still under the QS rating.
Finally, I added in the 2021 Times Higher Education Global Ranking. I replicated the same for the business and law faculties.
Using conditional formatting, ranks better than a benchmark university will turn bold and green. Since I used Excel Table, the sort by columns kicked in. First, arranging the universities by QS and then by THE. This helped me shortlist the institutions of higher learning further.
I reported back to my friend my findings. Setting aside Oxbridge – where I need an outstanding 3.6/4.0 result, I told him the places to consider in the UK are: UCL, KCL, LSE, and the University of Manchester. Australian universities above the benchmark are the University of Melbourne, the University of Sydney, and UNSW. I reckon it’s pretty obvious which university I need to work towards if I want to become a consultant and constitutional legal scholar.
It’s the London School of Economics and Political Sciences (LSE).
The “easy” step is done.
Next comes the real steps. In the next two or so years, I need to:
- Ensure that my results each semester takes me one step closer to meeting the academic requirements; and
- Hustle so that I generate sustainable income to settle my debt and fund my studies abroad.
After I shared my findings and concerns via Facebook Messenger, these were his replies:
Getting Back into Public Relations
Besides studies, there’s something that picked up this week. It’s going to be an interesting cold calling week. I’m back in public relations/media relations.
I need to pitch a story to get at least two coverage this week. It’s for a hospital. I have not done this in over a year. Starting back at zero.
And it’s definitely a reset.
What am I grateful for?
I’m lucky and definitely privileged. Despite my anxiety and worry, I’m thankful for another clean slate opportunity. I’m thankful for the supportive friends and family around me who gave continuous encouragement so I can go out and create meaningful value for others.