Laura, that sounds like an EXcellent plan! If he can grab on to the crusader aspect, and really focus his attention and energy on it, especially if his talents lie in that type of study, and he can succeed early and often in the courses--it sounds like you've thought it out, and with his personality type, it does sound right for him. If he's anything like mine, he needs a cause he believes in to dedicate to, or he just drifts. All possible best luck with this. I hope it is the solution you've been hoping for.

Cindy! Good to see you.

sj, you're going through a hormone rollercoaster, and really? Doing very well at it. You have my sympathies, as well as my admiration.

Hi, everybody!

Teppylicious, okay, I get you in re the Ativan. It can make me incredibly tired, depending on when I take it, and how tired I already am, when I do. Mostly, my anxiety strikes in the morning so tiredness is less of an issue.

sj, anxiety is a bitch. I'm so sorry. I hope time flies for you between now and August. Sometimes, crying lightens my anxiety. Plus I read, once, that crying helps the body get rid of toxins, so think of it as cleanse.

Laura, I'm holding a good thought for you and your family.

Laura, one thought. Public defenders spend a lot of time in court. They do a lot of talking. I don't know whether that would suit your son or not -- just pointing out that speaking ability and ability to think on your feet are very important, possibly more important than writing ability.

Another option for attorneys with a social conscience -- non-profit. A lot of attorneys around here work for non-profit and lobbying groups/organizations, including issue-based lobbyists. Name the issue, and people are working on both (or more) sides of the issue.

As someone who is faculty member at a law school, I have lots of opinions about this plan, but the only one I'll offer here is that if he is concerned about injustice he should be a prosecutor, not a public defender. They're the ones who get to decide whether or not to bring charges, and which charges to bring.

Also, Laura, something you should keep in mind is that law students and attorneys have extremely high rates of drug and alcohol abuse.

Had anyone else seen this?

Non-profit would be a good fit too. He does make a point of telling us repeatedly that he doesn't care about financial definitions of success. (idealist) The final destination is so far off that really I just want to get him started along the road. As he considers it and as he makes his way through school, I expect his plans and goals will change often. Speaking and thinking on his feet are not an issue.

Also, Laura, something you should keep in mind is that law students and attorneys have extremely high rates of drug and alcohol abuse.

No doubt. As do doctors, which is where Bobby is headed! Good point about the prosecutor option. I'll mention that too. The end game decision stuff is way down the line, but I want him to start considering options. Right now his option choice is more sleeping all day and playing video games all night. So most other options would be an improvement.

That sounds more like working in tech! Kidding.

Feeling very torn right now...somebody thought of me for a writing project, which is cool, but then, again, it's another thing I get to work hard on with no money, like I don't have lots of those.

Hey, Cindy! Long time, no see.

sj, I think you're holding it together quite well, despite the challenges.

I am one step closer to a new job. The HR rep called to check my references, today, and the asst. dean stopped me after work to let me know he praised me up and told them they hate to see me go.

I had another interview today. I think it went OK, but I'm not sure. I'm sick of interviews.