The grind that is law school is not designed to be a fun-filled experience.
Matt Lowe (JD ’17) knew that going in.
“It is rigorous to the point of being downright grueling at times,” says IBM’s New York-based executive marketplace partner. “But when I think back on my time in Champaign, it’s not memories of the law library or the classroom that come to mind.
“When I think back to my time at the U of I, it always comes back to Friday nights with some of the best friends I’ve made in my life. There is probably nothing better for closing out a stressful week than washing down some Nashville hot fried chicken from Watson’s with an ice-cold Hattori Hanzo from Blind Pig downtown.
“If it wasn’t for those nights, I sincerely don’t know how I would have made it through law school in one piece.
“In reflecting on my professional career in the technology industry, I think the most vital asset one can bring to the table in such an environment is creativity. As far as creativity goes, we have to maintain a sense of childishness and even strangeness to truly tap into our innovative capability. More than anything, we can’t afford to be too self-serious.
“With that said, I have tremendous gratitude for the people who helped me balance honing my craft with being able to stay true to who I am while at the U of I.”
