Ikigai - What that means to me

I’ve been asked the same question over the last , well, almost 3 years since I started studying the GDL - Graduate Diploma in Law in 2018. Why are you studying something so complicated at your AGE? The reply was often a jumbled response - because I can, because I’m a life-long learner, because, because,because. It wasn’t until I actually graduated, that I realised studying, learning new skills, research was part of my DNA.
Studying the GDL and now the LPC became my way of perfecting the quasi rustic knowledge I had gained over 14 years as a trainer- advisor, in order to formalise not only what I had learnt but be trained in a very formal way. It was tough especially when the Pandemic hit and it meant that I would not see the inside of a lecture theatre for just over a year. Whilst I am a self-motivated learner, I regale in the engagement that takes place in a training room, classroom or lectures- not only is the camaraderie great, the psychological aspects assist with the learning process - bouncing ideas off one another, Q& A without interruption or tech issues, relating to lecturers who provide a much more convincing performance in person than they do online.

My Ikigai

Study is part of my Ikigai - the Japanese way of thinking about life and longevity, the foundation being if you love what you do keep doing it, don’t stop. And whilst it may appear smug, I know just how fortunate I am to be able to say that I look forward to my working day and doing something that brings me great joy.

The LPC and the GDL have given me a tremendous insight not only into the way Law plays such an integral part in our society, but also in terms of developing a varied and new skill set - from analytical thinking to honing in on research methods. And whilst the courses are very in-depth, it has meant that I am required to focus heavily on time-management and meeting deadlines. As a student I absorb information from lecturers who are specialist lawyers in their chosen field. I listen, learn, discuss and continuously develop my professional ability, however, it has also given me the opportunity to review and reset how I train. Being online rather than face-to-face both as a student and as a trainer, has allowed me to step back and view learning through very different eyes, not only focus on the psychological impact of online learning, but produce creative materials that serves as a resource and make the learning process much more interactive and fun.

Being a Work in Progress can be exhausting but it has most definitely been rewarding.

Susie Crolla BA Hons LLB MPhil - Student of the LPC at the University of Law.