KORTNET SHAPIRO
<Contributor>
It seems that the perpetual question plaguing our minds for the last four months has been, “where is summer?” due to the inclement weather we have been experiencing here in Toronto, much to our disappointment. The question now remains, “how is it already the start of school?”
Although the subsequent storm of assignments, readings and exams will no doubt fill our schedules in the coming months, we have so many opportunities at our feet this year…our first year, let alone our first semester at law school. Let’s take the initiative to meet one another and branch out from our sections to learn more about how truly diverse this class is. It has only been one week, and yet I already feel an undeniable energy from the group, a different kind of energy from that of undergraduate or post-graduate orientations and introductory terms. Who was it that said, “There is something in the air?” Surely, there seems to be something in the Osgoode air. Maybe it is that romanticized notion of the fall season, where you can still ride your bike around campus, begin to pull out your sweaters and fall boots and comfortably sit outside reading without the oppressive summer heat. Whatever it may be, we are all coming to Osgoode, each with different life experiences, educational and professional backgrounds and it is this very variety that we should take advantage of and learn about our peers as people, friends and colleagues. Perhaps this will be through collective study groups, discussions with one another after class on cases that left us confused or inspired, inter-section events (a film screening of the 1973 cult classic The Paper Chase, anyone?) among others.
For those who are not from the city or are here studying as visiting students, take advantage of this amazing city when you need a break between studying and your academic and extracurricular responsibilities. Take in everything Toronto and its surrounding areas have to offer in the form of culture, food (think gastro-pubs, elaborate food trucks, the best brunch), theatre, markets and architecture. Check out the St. Lawrence market down on Front Street on a Saturday for an array of imported cheeses, cured meats, sweets and exotic produce from the world over. On Sundays, the market is closed and in its place across the street, remains a corner stone of Toronto’s prized weekend activities; the St. Lawrence Flea Market, which is bound to pique your interest especially if you are one for discovering that what is old is new again. Walk through Trinity Bellwoods Park or check out the stores in Bloor West Village or in the posh shopping district of Yorkville (a prime location for the occasional star sighting). From the Art Gallery of Ontario with its newly renovated space, to the visually enticing Daniel Libeskind addition to the Royal Ontario Museum on Bloor, we are so lucky to be studying at a university here in Toronto.
With O-Week having come to a close, let us maintain the excitement we had over the course of the last few weeks for the coming semester and soak up everything we can for the coming year. In the meantime, enjoy your first few weeks and lets make 2013-2014 the most interesting and exciting year yet.
I leave you now with a Seinfeldism, a piece of pseudo-law related humour from our dear friend Jerry.
“Kids could always resolve any dispute by calling it. One of them will say, “I got the front seat. I want the front seat. I called it.” And the other kid has no recourse. “He called it, what can I do?” If there was a kid court of law it holds up. “Your Honor, my client did ask for the front seat.” The judge says, “Did he call it?” “Well, no, he didn’t call it…” He bangs the gavel. “Objection overruled. He has to call it. Case closed.”
– Jerry Seinfeld
Editor’s Note: The Obiter Dicta endorses J. Seinfeld J’s approach to justice. Justice Fish left some big shoes to fill, but the Prime Minister would do well to consider Mr. Seinfeld for a lay appointment.