helping you helping me

A week ago I finally gave up writing to law firms in the UK bugging them to give me politely asking them if they have any long term internship or just a spot in their office to help out with whatever crap work they needed me to do - FREE of charge!!

Yes.. nobody wants me for FREE..

I was feeling really quite pathetic after 3 months but honestly I do understand that no one (unless under orders) would want to be in charge of a 22 year old taking up space in their office and wasting precious forms/papers in the name of 'helping'..

Unfortunately, I am not going to make a very good lawyer if nobody wants to take me in and I am not even going to be able to practice if no one wants to offer me a training contract..

I have come to realise that in the UK, there are so many good and reputable law schools that having an external degree really doesn't help..

I was in my Volunteer Advisor's office yesterday and she helped me call the Richmond Legal Advice Centre to ask if they would take me in even though I'm just a student and wouldn't be able to give proper legal advice..

The man over the other side of the phone sounded really keen and he said he wouldn't mind taking me in to help out with general things and to let me take notes and observed..

I couldn't believe it! My heart literally leaped with joy! Finally... after 3 months of searching.. some real legal experience here..

However, that was quite short lived.. he later asked my volunteer advisor which university I am with and when she told him I'm with the UoL External.. he wasn't so keen anymore :(

This post is not supposed to be defamatory in any way to the external course which I think is highly regarded in Malaysia but somehow I am having trouble promoting it over here..

Maybe it’s just because my grades aren't very good :P

Hmm.. anyhow, there might still be a chance that the man from the legal centre will get back to me (please, please please do...) or maybe I should give him a call tomorrow and push him into giving me a space there :P

Heh..

Afterall in the real world, we can't wait to be handed..

The good news is that I have an interview with the 'Good Neighbours' tomorrow and with some luck they will take me in and let me help some elderly people here..

Richmond does after all have a high percentage of elderly people compared to other parts of London..

It's quite cool seeing old women riding around town with their 'scooters' honking at oblivious young people standing in their way..

Wei Chieh loves imitating them and having a laugh..

I have never posted any pictures on Richmond but this place is heavenly!

We live just 5 minutes walk from the River Thames (the calmer, clearer part not the muddy side as in Westminster) and this place has a small town feel to it..

The wonders of Richmond is never ending – Richmond Park which has acres and acres of green (I believe it is the largest park in London) is just a 15 minute walk uphill from where we stay and you get the most fantastic views from Richmond Hill which overlooks the River Thames..

Here are pictures.. and they will say it all..

The view of the River Thames from Richmond Hill

This picture of the River Thames was taken from the river banks heading towards Petersham and Ham.

In the summer where days are long and the sun is out until 9p.m it is great to walk along the river with baby after dinner or just to sit on one of the benches along it, holding his hand and soaking in on all the beauty..

What more can a girl ask for? = )