There is a lot to be excited about for the Class of 2022. First, for many law schools, this spring marks the return of in-person ceremonies after commencements were moved online in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Second, with a new degree comes better opportunities and a new fresh start. Finally, law schools are getting more diverse and inclusive, which is a great signal for the legal profession. Take NYU for example where Troy McKenzie is about to become the first Black dean in the 187-year history of NYU School of Law.
Want more? Learn about Haley Taylor Schlitz, the Nation’s Youngest Black Law Graduate. Only a few days ago, the 19-year-old student graduated from Southern Methodist University’s Dedman School of Law, located in Dallas, Texas. Not only she became the Nation’s Youngest Black Law Graduate, but she also became the youngest Black law school graduate in the country, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
Haley Taylor Schlitz had already made history when she graduated from her Texas homeschooling high school program at age 13. Three years later, Schlitz graduated from Texas Women’s University at age 16.
“It was never like ‘I’m doing this because I want to graduate early.’ That has never been the goal. It’s always been about where I needed to be”
Schlitz told Know Your Value.
Schlitz had taken what she calls the “homeschooling mindset” with her to law school. “I share with people all the time that the best thing about homeschooling is that it forced me to develop strong time-management skills,” she explained. “When you homeschool, it’s similar to transitioning to undergraduate from high school. You go from this very structured environment where every minute of your day is planned, scheduled, and accounted for to an environment where it’s about you managing your time and schedule.”
The key to law school has been learning how to follow her own personal syllabus and to hold herself accountable, stated Schlitz. “I also learned how I best receive information and master a subject area,” she noted. “I would never have had the opportunity to learn this had I stayed on the traditional educational path.”
“We are incredibly proud of Haley and all she has accomplished during her time at SMU Law School,” SMU law professor Jennifer Collins told Good Morning America in a statement. “We know she is going to make a difference in this world, and we can’t wait to see all the wonderful places her career will take her.”
“It feels really good,” Schlitz told CBS Dallas/Fort Worth. “I’m really hoping to inspire anybody who hears my story.”
Here are 5 Secrets from Haley Taylor Schlitz to Succeed in Law School
1. Use your village.
Schlitz was not alone in her adventure. She had the support and inspiration of her family of course, but also mentors throughout her journey, including her godmother, California Congresswoman Barbara Lee. Schlitz advised everyone to lean on their own structures.
“You don’t walk any road alone. You can’t do anything by yourself. You stand on the shoulders of giants, and there are great trees in your forest. Listen to their wisdom and to the tools they are giving you,” she said.
2. Manage your time to include YOU Time
There is no doubt that Schlitz is clearly accomplished when it comes to meeting deadlines, but she also values socializing and relaxation time. Making time for her hobbies and passions was important. More, she advised scheduling these things, and not just assuming that they will happen.
“Time management is key. Get your assignments in on time, study, take advantage of your learning opportunities, but also schedule time for yourself and with your friends,” she said. “Actually schedule it, so it’s like a promise to yourself. You know that you’re going to get free time later, so you can approach studying in a more relaxed way.”
3. Make your path, don’t wait for it.
Proactivity was key for Schlitz when it came to her education. While her path is not for everyone, she advised people to forge their own way, and not to wait around for something to happen.
“You don’t find your path, you make it,” she said. “Keep that ambition. You’re not going to find a golden path with lights saying ‘here’s all the success you’ve ever dreamed of.’ You have to accept that we’re life workers and life learners. And if you don’t like how something looks, that’s an opportunity to repave the road and change the direction of your life.”
4. You can live and learn outside of the box.
Schlitz’s particular background taught her that you don’t have to be bound by mainstream, traditional paths. You can exist outside of the box across institutions, whether it is with school, work, or family.
“Make sure you remember that you are unique,” said Schlitz. “You know you best. You can listen to what people have to say, but you’re not handcuffed by that. Have your dreams. We get caught in mainstream systems, but most people aren’t cookie cutter.”
5. Change doesn’t happen overnight.
Though Schlitz graduated law school faster than most people, she said she will gladly move at a slower pace when it comes to changing the world.
“It’s hard to accept, but big change doesn’t happen overnight,” said Schlitz. “I say this to myself as a member of Gen Z: be ready to make the world better than you found it, but making a difference is a long game. Don’t expect to finish, even in your lifetime. Sometimes change takes generations.
Haley Taylor Schlitz will now seat for the Texas Bar exam in July 2022 and we wish her all but the best. Something tells us she’ll do just fine.
Want to hear more about Haley Taylor Schlitz, click here.
TAGS: Nation’s Youngest Black Law Graduate Share Her Secrets to Success
