Where the Misfits Fit

Finding time for yourself during law school 

Keegan Fredrick, 2L

As an out-of-state student from Virginia, I began to explore the Midwest and all the unique places to visit in Lawrence as a 1L. One of my favorite things to do is travel, whether in my home state of Virginia, saving up to visit family in Scotland or camping with my family and recently rescued dog, Agnes. My most recent adventure entailed a five-hour drive to Eureka Springs, Arkansas, with my co-pilot, Agnes. 

My wanderlust tendency largely began in college. Traveling has been one of my outlets from school since my senior year of college. A few weeks into law school, I knew my travel bug would be a way for me to maintain balance, even if I merely daydreamed about future travel plans. 

Keegan and her dog, Agnes, in Eureka Springs, Arkansas

During my first year of law school, classes started out with a bang and before I knew it, October rolled around and fall break of my 1L year was on the horizon. I had the unique opportunity to travel with KU Law to Wichita for the 24 hours in the Wichita program. Through this program, I met with dozens of attorneys to speak about their experiences in the legal profession and in Wichita’s legal community all while seeing the expansive Flint Hills and city of Wichita.  

Fast forward a year, after completing numerous first-year law school exams, memos and briefs and an internship with the U.S. Department of Transportation, I found myself edging towards another fall break as I learned about hearsay and witness impeachment in Evidence, and personal jurisdiction in Jurisdiction. I knew I wanted to spend time outside of Lawrence over break and explore more parts of the Midwest while in law school. As any law student would do, I researched where to find the best fall foliage within a five-hour drive from Lawrence and EUREKA! 

Eureka Springs, Arkansas, popped up in my fall break search. As I delved into the history and community of this quaint town, I knew where I’d be spending part of my fall break. Agnes and I ventured on a five-hour trip, stopping in Fort Scott, Kansas, and the four corners to visit a new state for me: Oklahoma. After arriving in Eureka Springs, we did a self-guided tour of the numerous springs throughout the town as fall leaves fell to the ground. We walked the streets of Eureka Springs, finding bookshops, art galleries and coffee shops. After a wee bit of midterm prep, Agnes and I got a coffee and went to a local fall festival, driving along the mountainous roads filled with vibrant reds, oranges and yellows. While my trip encompassed two days, the colorful drive, kind people and memories allowed me to reset and realize the benefits of fitting in a community, even if one is a bit of a misfit. 

– Keegan Fredrick is a 2L KU Law Student Ambassador from Fredricksburg, Virginia