Finding Artistic Outlets in Law School

Despite being a full-time student who is enjoying her studies immensely at the University of Ottawa - which means I seize every opportunity for a guest lecture, court visit and volunteer - I have made supporting and being involved in the arts a priority. I think this is partially because I have been inspired by other professionals, such as Professor Natasha Bakht and David Jewitt, who maintain interesting careers, families and artistic commitments. It is possible to do what you love and love what you do.

The Live Rush program started at the National Arts Centre (NAC) when I was an undergraduate student at the University of Ottawa and I am pleased to re-join the program. My husband and I were subscribers to the Dance series at the NAC and enjoyed the 2009-2010 season. This year the Live Rush program enabled us to continue as patrons of the arts on a revised budget, for which we are both very thankful. We attended Ted Robinson's performance last fall and recently saw A Year of Magical Thinking. February is going to be a busy month with Savion Glover, Atlantic Ballet Theatre, Wayne McGregor, and the Mariinksy/Kirov Ballet.

However, patronizing the arts is only one facet for me, a performer. As a Master's student, I learned quickly that I was happiest when I was busy. The arts are a crucial part of having a balanced life in which I am professionally  productive and intellectually stimulated. By dancing, acting and singing I make new friends, create beauty, and use another part of my brain and body. The exercise alone is beneficial! This is why I decided in the middle of the exam period in December to perform  at the Gladstone Theatre as a dancer in their production of It's a Wonderful Life. It was rewarding to put in long days of studying knowing I could step into another world and dress up and perform each night. I slept better, felt better and studied better because I was able to blow off steam and stick to a schedule. In the end, I performed better on my exams. I think I gained important time management and self-knowledge that will see me through a demanding and enjoyable career in law.