By Abigail Meehan
It’s two weeks into law school, but the mood at Lake Lansing on September 5th was casual and stress-free. Roughly 30 people – law students, faculty, and legal professionals – gathered for the second annual Spartans Set Sail, a unique event hosted by MSU Lawyers for Active Wellness (LAW) Legion.
The one-of-a-kind event gave participants the chance to learn a new skill under the supervision of experienced sailors from the MSU Sailing Center. It also aimed to highlight the importance of active and mental wellness in the legal field, a profession particularly susceptible to mental health issues.
The event kicked off with speeches from various professionals, with the keynote speaker being Justice Richard H. Bernstein of the Michigan Supreme Court. Justice Bernstein reminded the participants to always take care of their emotional wellbeing, and use that wellbeing to help others.
“You can be anything you want to be,” he said. “Be the person that goes above and beyond to uplift others.”
MSU Law Dean Michael Sant’Ambrogio attended as well. He congratulated LAW Legion for being one of the few student-led groups addressing emotional wellbeing at law schools in the country.
“LAW Legion is showing the legal profession that well-being is not an afterthought,” Dean Sant’Ambrogio said. “Another important element is its understanding of how building community works.”
After speeches, participants were split into groups, rotating team building activities and time on the water. Due to high winds, some participants chose to experience the water on kayaks, powerboats, and pontoons- but others still wanted to sail.
“My favorite part of the event was getting the chance to go on a sailboat for the first time. It was so thrilling! I was able to rely on experienced sailors, even if I did get a little wet,” said Rhea Markoski. The day offered a welcome break from the stress of law school, she said. “As a 1L, I got a chance to find some space from all the ‘expectations' of law school,” Markoski said. “The experience renewed my appreciation for stepping outside my comfort zone.”
Other students echoed enthusiasm for the event. Said Stephani Trask: “Spartans Set Sail was a really great opportunity to engage with both peers and professionals while also getting out on the water and exploring Lake Lansing.”
The LAW Legion hopes to continue the tradition and offer the event again next year- but the club is far from dormant in the meantime. With an upcoming pickleball tournament and a trivia night in the works, students will have plenty of activities to socialize and unwind, all with the focus of prioritizing wellbeing. Watch The Docket for details!
Our legal community is stronger when we take care of each other, and what better way to spend a beautiful fall afternoon than spending time together at the lake.
[Abigail Meehan is the president of Lawyers for Active Wellness Legion.]