You have just spent the last 3 months with your new best friends – your classmates. You have cried with them, argued (“debated”) with them, and even occasionally laughed with them (probably harder than you should have at law school memes and inside jokes). As you head into finals and the study time increases, so do the bonds of friendship. No one on the outside of these glass walls can understand what the past 3 months have been like, but now that you have to immerse yourself back into the world of people not concerned with discussing eggshell skulls, how will you survive? How will you endure the family gatherings and Aunt Ida and Uncle Jim asking you how your semester went, how did you do on your exams (which of course you won’t have a grade for until January), why haven’t you called, the uncomfortable you-look-tired statements, and of course all the questions about the law that you haven’t covered yet… you survive by keeping your law school friends close.
You are probably thinking that you can’t wait to get away from all the study and legal talk and there is no way you will even want to think about law school for the entire break, but believe me, you will feel lost without your classmates. It is a strange feeling for sure, but after you decompress from finals, you will find yourself floating and needing your classmates to help you navigate the real world.
When you are sitting at the family table and nobody gets your jokes, text your classmates. They will understand. It is hard to explain, but your brain has been rewired, you look at the world differently and although it’s sad to say; only your classmates will understand. They are the only ones who will get the joke from Lawyering Foundations Class about the stupid dog, they are the only ones who understand when your Great Aunt with the red lipstick kisses you and you start yelling “Battery”. You will need at least one get together with the people who understand and appreciate your new mind.
Break won’t come for another month, but now is the time to start planning a gathering (or at least set up your group chat). There are some really fun things to do in and around Atlanta – but as busy as everyone will be over the break, it’s smart to set up that playdate now. Here are some suggestions for a good day of fun with your classmates:
FOR THOSE WHO NEED TO KEEP THE COMPETITION GOING TRY:
WHIRLY BALL – ATLANTA
A combination of bumper cars and lacrosse. You can get pizza and wings and they even have a bar package– but call ahead for reservations. You will need a group of at least 10.
TOP GOLF – ATLANTA
https://topgolf.com/us/atlanta/
Get your own bay for up to 6 people and enjoy golf, food and drinks. 100+ climate-controlled hitting bays, full-service restaurant and bars, rooftop terrace with fire pit, over 200 HDTVs, free Wi-Fi.
FOR THOSE WHO PREFER A RELAXING DAY TRY:
ATLANTA BOTANICAL GARDENS
http://atlantabg.org/visit/events/garden-lights
The seventh annual electrical extravaganza features spectacular light displays throughout the Garden, including the new high-tech Nature’s Wonders, illuminating the world’s natural phenomena through countless strands of synchronized dancing lights strung high over Storza Woods
PIEDMONT PARK
Spend the afternoon picnicking, going for a bike ride, or just enjoying the day outside. Plan a picnic – there are 22 grills provided throughout the park! Pick a spot and play some Frisbee, too.
FINALLY, FOR THOSE WHO PREFER AN ACTIVE DAY TRY:
STONE MOUNTAIN
https://www.stonemountainpark.com/
The Stone Mountain Christmas activities will be in full force. Or, climb Stone Mountain for breathtaking views. If you are really wanting to get away from the real world, they even offer hotel packages for a full weekend of fun.
ICE SKATING – ATLANTIC STATION
https://www.atlanticstation.com/
Atlantic Station hasn’t announced opening dates, but they should be up soon. You can always google “outdoor ice skating rinks in Atlanta” and find a different rink (I think I found about 7 others when I searched – remember Centennial Olympic Park is closed for renovations). Rumor has it there will even be ice skating at the Ponce City Market this year!
The Blackacre Times 