“That’s the thing about the highs; they don’t last forever. Luckily, neither do the lows.”

I could not believe my eyes. My first Contracts I exam, and not only did I fail, I failed terribly! 

At North Carolina Central University’s School of Law, we are fortunate to have a set of exams known as “first assessments.” Administered only a month after the beginning of the school year, the first assessments allow 1L students to test their study skills against the high standard of law school exams. These exams, counting for 10% of one’s final grade, are intentionally low stakes. But, as an anxious 1L, I was still feeling the pressure. 

As I prepared for the exams, upper-level students walked around the library, sharing horror stories of being blindsided by their first assessment performance.  I heard their warnings but foolishly thought to myself, “How hard could it be?” I thought I was well prepared. I learned the rules, studied the analysis, utilized flashcards, filled whiteboards, stayed up late, and discussed possible questions with my study group. So, when our Contracts I grade released, I expected a glowing grade.

I was sorely disappointed. Not only did I fail terribly, but I was also below the class average. I quickly became all too familiar with the experience of being “below the curve.” As my less-than-stellar performance stared back at me, I did all I could think to do. I called my best friend. I shared my disappointment and, honestly, how hopeless I felt. If I tried what I thought was my best, and this was the result, how was I going to improve? That’s when she told me to remember why I was in law school and to continue to improve. She said,

“That’s the thing about the highs; they don’t last forever. Luckily, neither do the lows. It’s up to you to learn how to survive and thrive in both. You must decide and plan so that you can fail well.” 

I took her advice and devised a plan. First, I had to ask for help. I went to my professor and asked where I went wrong. Much to my surprise, she laughed, saying, “you already know where you went wrong.” I was taken aback; not only was I already out of my comfort zone asking for help, but even more so, she said I already knew what I should have done. I paused, picked up my exam, and looked at it. “Explain the essay to me again.” She prompted. I began, “Well, I think…” She interrupted me, “Not what you think. What does the rule say?” I re-examined my paper; I had misstated the rule, which led my analysis in the wrong direction. As we read through the remainder of my essay, my dismay began to turn into determination. I could and would succeed here, not only in Contracts I but in my 1L year. 

Second, in this “plan to fail well,” I had to make corrections. Now that I knew where I had gone wrong, I had four more weeks until midterms, so I could correct my mistakes and improve my performance. With a new sense of determination and sense of hope, I returned to my flashcards, whiteboards, and study group with one goal in mind: landing at the top of the curve. This time, I planned a response to every question I anticipated being asked of me. I memorized each rule and learned every exception. I attended tutoring sessions and even volunteered to brief cases. Not only was I growing more confident in my knowledge of Contracts I material, but I was also growing more confident in myself. 

By the time midterms came, I was confident in my ability to succeed. I knew that I had worked hard and that I would reap the fruits of my labor. When our midterm grades came back, I was met with exactly that. Not only was I well above the curve, I had one of the highest grades in the class! By failing well, I had learned to succeed. I would carry this sense of motivation and positive results through the remainder of Contracts I and Contracts II, ending with an A.

Although I would never wish a failing experience on anyone, I would want for everyone to learn the lesson that I did. That is, that failure is never final. There is a way to fail well. 

Jessica Renee Cody is a rising 2L at North Carolina Central University School of Law in Durham, NC. A native of Fayetteville, NC, Jessica graduated Magna Cum Laude from Hampton University in May 2024. When not studying, Jessica can be found exploring a new city, working on a new knitting or crocheting project, FaceTiming with friends or family, or drinking the sweetest sweet tea she can find.