New Law Carrels Have More Elbow Room

This summer, the Regent Law Library completed another phase of its renovation project: updating the study carrels. The new carrels are up to 5 inches wider and 15 inches longer than the old ones, which means students have a lot more elbow room.

At first glance, the new carrels look just like the old versions, which are featured here:

 

You could cram a lot into this cubbie, but you'd feel claustrophobic studying amongst all this stuff. Add a laptop and one more law book, and there's no room to think.

The old carrels' dimensions ranged from 25 inches x 35 inches to 30 inches x 40 inches. The new carrels are 30 inches x 50 inches, which means you have enough space for you and your 15-inch laptop, hefty law books, a few pictures of friends and family, and sacks. The old carrels couldn't achieve that feat! 

Here's the new layout for the larger carrels: two-by-two with an additional table.

A carrel with room to stretch out. Happy studying!

This post is by Rachel Smith, a writer for the Regent Law Marketing and Communications Department.

Kayaking and Canoeing at Munden Point Park

Rachael wanted to go kayaking for her birthday, so she rounded up a group of Regent Law students. On Saturday, we headed to Munden Point Park, which is on the outskirts of Virginia Beach.

It is easy to get lost, so if you see "Welcome to North Carolina!" like we did, turn around. I recommend printing directions and a map just in case your GPS fails you.

To kayak or canoe, you can rent equipment for $10/hour, which includes a life jacket (safety first!) and paddles. During the month of July, there's a special: buy one hour, get one free. For $40, six of us canoed/kayaked for about two hours. The park also has picnic shelters, grills, a fishing area, basketball courts, playgrounds, horseshoe pits, volleyball courts, and other amenities. It's a great place to have a summer function.

Each of us enjoyed the trip, which was an adventurous alternative to a birthday dinner. It was also great to trade the city for nature's solitude. As we paddled along, we spotted a heron and several river otters, and encountered typical insects like dragon flies.

Unfortunately, the only photo we took was at the conclusion of our expedition. I was terrified of getting my camera wet. (It rained sporadically, and I didn't want to drop it in the river.)

Here's the happy group:

Spotlight on Incoming IL Mark Martinez

Hometown: Glen Rose, Texas
Undergraduate School: University of North Texas
Major: Anthropology

Q. If you could only tell the Regent Law community one thing about yourself, what would it be? 
A. Although my parents’ divorce left an indelible mark on my life, their separation allowed me to be exposed to what I call “two Americas” when I was growing up. My stepfather was a fourth-generation peanut farmer who valued hard work. So, I spent the first half of every summer from 1993-1997 on the farm. I trekked up and down a hot dusty field with a hoe in hand, disposing of pesky weeds that grew among our crops. During the second half of my summer, I followed my dad, who was the director of a Boys & Girls Club in Fort Worth, Texas, around the barrio while he mentored ex-gang members. Moving from rural to urban landscapes every summer heightened my awareness of socioeconomic disparities in the United States at an early age.

Q. Which life events and personal/professional goals brought you to law school? 
A. I spent a few years working for a non-profit advocating for at-risk youth. I felt I was hardly making a dent in helping clients overcome systemic barriers, so I transitioned to traditional church ministry. However, I met a wise man along the way who challenged my limited understanding of ministry. He said, “Ministry is not what you do, like preach or plant a church, but it is who you are. Once you know who you are, everything you do is ministry.” This paradigm shift helped me realize that I have the greatest impact on society when I live out the role God created for me. Doing so has led me to law school.

Q. How did you know that Regent Law is the right law school for you? 
A. My visit to Regent definitely confirmed what I already felt. It’s hard to describe, but there is a momentum unique to Regent that is palpable, and I wanted to be a part of it. I’d also like to tip my hat to the Admissions Staff at Regent Law for making a big impression. They clearly take pride in recruiting, which is shown by their attention to detail. There is a standard of excellence unmatched by any other law school admissions office I encountered.

Q. What does becoming a lawyer mean to you? 
A. Becoming a lawyer means operating as a reformer and leaving things in a better state than when I found them. It means being sprinkled into the fabric of society like salt and releasing hope in hopeless situations.

Q. How will you spend your last summer before law school? 
A. I will spend my last summer before law school with my wife and son, happily obliging to whatever they want to do. I want to make sure that I get a lot of quality family time.

Q. What kind of law do you hope to practice after graduation? 
A. My previous work experience lends itself to family and immigration law. However, I remain very open to the process and understand that things can change.

Q. What is your favorite book and why?
A. Depends on the season of life. When I was in elementary school, it was Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears a Who! When I was in high school, it was Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities. In college, it was Ayn Rand’s The Fountainhead. In this particular season, living with an 18-month-old son, I would have to say Dr. Seuss again, but this time it’s The Foot Book. I read somewhere that it’s important to remain childlike.

Q. What is your favorite Bible verse? 
A. Romans 15:13: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Q. You have a rare weekend in which nothing is on your schedule. What will you do with the free time? 
A. Is it college football season? If not, then I would load up the family and take a technology-free hiking trip.

Q. Is there anything else you would like your peers and future law students to learn about you? 
A. I once lived in a tent in the Stanislaus National Forest, which was 15 miles from the nearest electrical outlet, for over five months. It was 2007; I was 26 years old; and I was building trails for the National Forest Department. Perhaps—not unlike law school—the idea sounds great until you are about three months into the season, with no contact to the outside world, running on very little sleep, and crying out to God at night for mercy.

It was an AmeriCorps program partnership with the California Conservation Corps. We hiked between 2 and 5 miles per day carrying 50-100 pounds each way. I lived in a trail crew of around 20 people and became adept at managing conflict. A layer of extended adolescence was shed in the transcendent Sierra Nevada Mountains, and I became attune to my servant identity. Serving not for the sake of notoriety but for the sake of others was engrained in me in that season. I returned home with greater vision for my life and a peace I’d never known before.

Summer Adventures: The Chrysler Museum of Art

The last time I visited the Chrysler Museum in Norfolk, I went to see the giant, yellow rubber duck floating in the Hague. While I was there, I only had time to peek at one exhibit, so I resolved to visit again.

One of the best things about the Chrysler Museum is that admission is free, making it a perfect excursion for graduate students. The museum accepts donations. Or, you can contribute by purchasing something at the gift shop. (That's what I did.)

The sculpture in front of the museum is called The Torch Bearers by Anna Hyatt Huntington (modeled 1953).

My museum buddy Rachael and I didn't have time to look at every exhibit, so in honor of Independence Day, we only looked at the American exhibits. We started with modern art. What screams America better than Pepsi-Cola? (No offense to the Coke drinkers out there.)

This is Munchkins, I, II, & III by Idelle Weber (1964). It's a commentary on American corporate life and its "airlessness and isolation."

 

I snapped a photo of Manteneia II by Frank Stella (1967) simply because the colors are happy and I liked its funky vibe. According to the painting's description, "The names of the paintings in this series [Protractor Series], including Manteneia II, are based on ancient, circular-planed towns in Asia Minor and on the Persian architecture seen by the artist when traveling in Iran."

This sculpture was one of the most peculiar pieces we saw. The mixed media piece is called Soundsuit by Nick Cave (2010). Nick Cave also designs suits that are worn in performances and on runways. 

 

No matter how you feel about this sculpture, you must admit that the artist is a skilled crocheter. I wish I had his talent.

Rachael and I saw Pieta by Robert Richenburg (1954-1955) after viewing a lot of religious pieces from the late Middle Ages and Renaissance. We stopped and stared at it. "Huh?" I questioned. "It doesn't fit with the rest of the pieces," said Rachael.

We read the description, "... Virgin Mary cradles Christ's body in her lap, their linear forms just visible amid a web of colors dripping down the canvas like a veil of tears," but we could not pick out Christ or Virgin Mary.

A helpful employee explained things: The orange circle at the top middle is Virgin Mary's head, and the leftmost orange circle is Christ's head. The black lines that emerge from the head represent his body and limbs. The woman explained that the museum integrates unexpected, modern paintings like this one to show that modern art can reflect traditional ideas and images in a new way.

I confess that as someone who is critical of modem art, I was convinced.

There were several rooms with marble sculptures, which reminded me of Pride and Prejudice when Lizzie visits Mr. Darcy's house with her aunt and uncle. This is called Ganymede and the Eagle (1815-1817) by Bertel Thorvaldsen. (If you guessed that this artist is not American, you're right. I had to sneak this one in because I could not get over the fact that those feathers are made of marble! Besides, the eagle is uber patriotic.)

Undine, Rising from the Fountain by Chauncey Bradley Ives (1880-1882): 

If you look closely, you can see the veins popping out of his forehead and wrist. The Wounded Indian by Peter Stephenson (1848-1850):

No musuem visit is complete without a trip to the gift shop. Guess who greeted us there? The last of the miniature rubber ducks. Aren't they cute?

 

I'll probably take one more trip to the Chrysler Museum this summer. They have a glass blowing studio that is very popular. You can watch the artists at work (free), and you can take a class (not free). I plan to do both. Stay tuned!

This post is by Rachel Smith, a writer for the Regent Law Marketing and Communications Department.

Spotlight on Incoming 1L Brittany Jones

Brittany Jones
Hometown: Pineville, Louisiana
Undergraduate School: Louisiana College
Major: History

 

Q. If you could only tell the Regent Law community one thing about yourself, what would it be? 
A. I am a very passionate person who does everything with great vigor and focus. I am also a compulsive planner. Sometimes, I have to slow down and remember to enjoy the moments and the people God has placed in my life. I am really looking forward to learning and growing with all of you.

Q. Which events in your life and personal/professional goals brought you to law school? 
A. Since the age of seven, I have been interested in politics and government; however, I dreaded the idea of going to law school even though I knew God was calling me in that direction. During my second year of college, my school went through a controversy, and I realized how important it is for me to understand the law and stand for truth in the midst of confusion. I still was not happy about the idea of law school, but I had a peace. Last summer, I interned at the Family Research Council. I worked with some wonderful constitutional lawyers who showed me how fun the law could be.

Q. How did you know that Regent Law is the right law school for you? 
A. Close family friends moved near the school when I was in high school and kept hinting that I should come to school at Regent. I knew for certain when I visited a second time and met with Dean Brauch. I had been praying that the Lord would make it clear to me, and the warm, friendly environment won me over!

Q. What does becoming a lawyer mean to you? 
A. It is the next step on the journey that God has placed me on and will allow me to continue growing and learning. Also, it is important for my family because I will be the first one on either side of my family to earn more than a bachelor’s degree.

Q. How will you spend your last summer before law school? 
A. I am working at a law firm in my hometown and spending time with my family.

Q. What kind of law do you hope to practice after graduation? 
A. Constitutional law.

Q. What is your favorite book and why? 
A. I believe this is literally the most difficult question ever asked! I will attempt to limit myself to just two! The book that has perhaps had the most impact on my political and legal career is Amazing Grace: William Wilberforce and the Heroic Campaign to End Slavery by Eric Metaxas. I read this book as a freshman in high school as I struggled to understand how to mold my vocational calling with my Christian faith. Wilberforce’s persistence in his calling and devotion to God gave me a vision of how I desire to live my life. The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis has also influenced me personally because it has helped me analyze habits and beliefs that I was unaware of that were separating me from Christ. It also helped understand the sheer beauty and glory of our Savior.

Q. What is your favorite Bible verse? 
A. Isaiah 40:28-31: “Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. He gives strength to the weary, And to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, And vigorous young men stumble badly, Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.”

Q. You have a rare weekend in which nothing is on your schedule. What will you do with the free time? 
A. Read, bake something scrumptious, go for a run or to the gym, or hang with my family or one of the families I babysit for.

Spotlight on Incoming 1L Chris Holinger

Q. Briefly tell us about yourself. 

Hometown: Lewiston, Maine

Undergraduate School: Gordon College

Major: Business Administration

A. I’m a husband and father doing my best to live according to God’s call on my life. I served in the United States Air Force for 22 years, but now I am called in a new direction.

Q. How will you spend your final months of freedom before law school begins? 
A. Having fun with my kids in our pool and going on scout camping trips. Travelling with the whole family to Alaska to fish, camp, and relax. Taking my wife out to all the local restaurants we’ve been dying to try. Hosting my retirement ceremony and party.

Q. How did you know that Regent Law is the right law school for you? 
A. I graduated from a Christian college that placed a lot of emphasis on integrating faith and learning and integrating faith into one’s vocation. I have been part of a military ministry throughout my career that teaches officers to make their faith an integral part of their professional lives and serve as Christ’s ambassadors in the military. When I learned how aggressively Regent seeks to integrate faith with the study and practice of law, I knew it was a perfect fit for me. I know people with similar values will surround me, and they will challenge me to excel not for personal gain but to bring glory to God through my work.

Q. You’re a husband, father, and have served the military for 22 years. How have these roles and your professional experiences shaped your perspective of law school? 
A. As part of the commissioning oath, officers swear to support and defend the United States Constitution against all enemies, both foreign and domestic. In recent years, I have become convinced that our constitution and our form of government are under a greater threat from domestic enemies than the foreign ones I faced throughout my career. Law school is basic training for the fight to defend the Constitution against domestic enemies. I really want my kids and grandkids to grow up in an America that has preserved the ideas that make it unique, not one that has decided to just go along with the rest of the world.

Q. What does becoming a lawyer mean to you? 
A. It means I will be able to engage in the legal arena in whatever role God calls me and help people in a concrete and meaningful way. I want to influence some small corner of the legal system with a Christian/biblical worldview because I think that has been lost and our system has suffered because of it.

Q. How do you plan to tackle the challenges of law school? 
A. Deliberate planning, careful time management, and lots of prayer.

Q. Which class/classes are you excited to take? 
A. Anything related to the Constitution, Christian Foundations of Law, and practicums/externships that will provide opportunities for hands-on learning.

Q. What kind of law do you hope to practice after graduation? 
A. I’m trying to be very open to God’s direction over the next few years. Either constitutional/appellate work (like the ACLJ) or some combination of family law and legal aid work. I think it’s unfortunate that our government and legal system has become so complicated and difficult that average citizens stand a very good chance of being denied justice in a host of areas if they can’t afford a good lawyer.

Q. What is your favorite book and why? 
A. Other than the Bible, How Now Shall We Live? by Charles Colson and Nancy Pearcey. This was the first book I read that explained worldviews to me and helped me understand how philosophy and worldviews shape every aspect of our culture and our lives, from individual relationships to whole societies, the arts, education, science, politics, and law. Worldview explains how people “do life” together and why.

Q. What is your favorite Bible verse? 
A. Proverbs 3:5-7. Everyone knows verses 5 and 6, but verse 7 is a good word of caution to people who tend to be high achievers and confident in themselves. It reminds us that our own wisdom is not sufficient for success if we don’t fear (revere) God.

Q. If you could meet with anyone alive or dead, who would it be and why? 
A. I’m sure the right “Christian” response would be “Jesus,” and spending time with him would be great. I’d love to ask him all of the tough questions that we seem to grapple with as we try to accurately interpret his words in the New Testament. Also, I would have loved to have the chance to meet and talk to Charles Colson. His life and testimony are fascinating.

Summer Adventures: Old Town Alexandria

Before I moved to Hampton Roads, I lived in Alexandria, Va., in a row house sandwiched between historic Old Town and Del Ray. Both neighborhoods offer great farmers markets, enough restaurants to satisfy whatever your pallet desires, plenty of desert options, cute boutiques, and an abundance of people to watch behind your sunglasses, which is my favorite pastime.

If you're traveling to Old Town Alexandria via the metro, get off at the King Street Station, which is on the blue and yellow lines. Then, head down King Street into the heart of Old Town.

If you want to work on your fitness, you can rent a bike from Capital Bikeshare. Stations are located throughout the D.C. Metro Area, and there are several in Alexandria. One of the best ways to reach Old Town if you are coming from Washington, D.C., or Arlington is via the Mount Vernon Trail. To plan your ride, consult these bike maps. This station is located outside Alexandria City Hall.

My former roommate Kate and I went to the Saturday farmers market, located at City Hall. Along the way, I admired the beautiful row houses that line King Street. They were converted into shops and restaurants.

This year, Alexandria marks 200 years since the War of 1812. Because Alexandria couldn't defend itself from the British, it surrendered and avoided being burned like Washington, D.C. The decision preserved the city, allowing us to see what the city was like 200 years ago. To brush up on Alexandria's history, check out the website created for the bicentennial.

Here's Alexandria City Hall, site of the weekly farmers market.

Vendors pitch tents, where they sell fruits and vegetables, artwork, jewelry, pastries, and unique knickknacks. I bought a print a local artist made of Old Town. It features some of the landmarks I mention in this post.

 
One vendor sold sunflowers, which were my favorite as a child.

After wandering around the farmers market, we went to the waterfront. In the summer, people watch fireworks, listen to musicians, or watch a local man play water glasses, which he has done for years. (Anyone reminded of Sandra Bullock's "talent" in Miss Congeniality?)

A few years ago, I even watched one of my friends propose to his girlfriend here (in the open space in front of the central trashcan).

You can sail on the Potomac River.

Or, if you're not into sailing, you can visit the Torpedo Factory Art Center, where you can view 82 working artist studios or take an art class. Admission is free, but art classes are not. 

After we visited Mint Condition, a local consignment shop, Kate and I were hungry. Ironically, neither of us craved a dish from a local restaurant. Instead, we found ourselves in line at Chiptole. I ordered a burrito bowl with chicken and pinto beans. It was everything I wanted it to be.

After chowing down, we headed back to Kate's house to get ready for Saturday evening church. Here's a photo of Kate and me at DC Metro Church. If you're looking for a church to visit during your stay, I encourage you to go. The founding pastors attended Regent University School of Divinity and/or Regent Law. There are two locations: one is about five minutes from Old Town at the Braddock Road Metro Station, and the other is in Fairfax, Va.

Enjoy your trip to Old Town Alexandria!

This post is by Rachel Smith, a writer for the Regent Law Marketing and Communications Department.