Ask Agony Aunt: Do Not Stress

​AUNT MYRTLE
Volume 2, Issue 7 (Originally Published 3 September 2012)
 
De Minimis would like to emphasise the importance of remaining calm and happy throughout the clerkship application period. Do not take any rejections personally.
 
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Dear Agony Aunts
All of my friends seem to be just sifting through interview offers while I get nothing. I want to be happy for them, and I am, but I desperately want to stop them asking me if I got any, because it feels like it’s rubbing it in. How do I get them to stop asking without sounding rude or unsupportive of their offers?
 
Still Waiting for a Clerkship
 

Dear Still Waiting
 
If what you need is your friends to stop asking, then just explain to them that you’re feeling especially worried, and would they mind if you just let them know if and when you’re successful?
 
Just as your friends aren’t being rude by asking, you’re not being rude by asking them to stop. At any rate, even if you are, being in law school, they’re probably so stressed by something (assessments, applications, workload, self-absorption) that they won’t even notice. More likely though, they’ll be happy so long as you don’t stop them joining in the celebrations when you get one.
 

De Minimis has received many letters about clerkship angst over the past few weeks and would like to take the chance to remind you that the only validation you need for your intellect is your own. Further, you are GREAT and SMART so please smile about this and enjoy the warmer weather that has hit us!