Candy Corn as a Metaphor for Law School
Tomorrow is Halloween, but today we celebrate one of the most divisive treats in candy history—the kernel-shaped, tricolor candy corn.
Yes, October 30 is National Candy Corn Day.
While not everyone dislikes candy corn—though I’m in the camp of the haters—the candy itself usually elicits strong and passionate reactions. Some people simply don’t like the taste or texture of candy corn, finding it too sweet, waxy, or artificial tasting. Others hate its overexposure and commercialization during the weeks leading up to Halloween.
Still, let’s give candy corn its day.
Creating a connection between candy corn and law school might seem like a stretch, but with a bit of creativity, we can. And, yes, I will.
First, candy corn has three distinct layers and colors of yellow, orange, and white. Law school, too, often consists of different layers. The first year introduces foundational legal concepts, the second year delves into more specialized topics, and the third year often focuses on practical applications and specialized courses. Or, as some students often (incorrectly) layer the years of law school: “The first year of law school scares you to death, the second year works you to death, and third year bores you to death.” (They are wrong, by the way!)
“The first year of law school scares you to death, the second year works you to death, and third year bores you to death.”
Second, each candy corn looks similar but might taste slightly different or come from different batches. Similarly, every case or statute students read, brief, diagram, and study in law school may appear similar on the surface. However, each has its own unique nuances, facts, or interpretations.
Third, just as eating too much candy corn in one sitting can lead to a tummy ache, cramming or trying to learn too much law or rules at once can be overwhelming and counterproductive.
Sp, whether you love or hate candy corn, let’s come together to celebrate the small, triangular candy for this one day. On every other day besides October 30, I will relegate the candy corn to the bottom of the candy barrel where it deservedly belongs.
