2 . Growing up in south Florida, Rebecca dreamed of becoming a professional singer, but after a serious illness damaged her voice at college, she settled for the next-best thing.

She couldn't be an artist, but she could become a lawyer for artists. “I knew I'd go to a law school and I'd try to help musicians because even if I didn't have my own voice, I could help them find theirs,” said Rebecca, 19. “There hasn’t been a day when I've questioned my choice,”

That seems to be the case with hundreds of students who have signed up for entertainment law courses at Harvard Law School (HLS) over the last 20 years. It marks a trend among law students to change from the traditional field of corporate law and look to Working in creative industries. The trend, also noticeable at other law schools around the country, has pushed growth in the field of entertainment law.

“These students are propelled by a love for music, the arts, and show business. It's an exciting career for a music lover,” said HLS Clinical Professor of Law Brian Price, who's in charge of the Entertainment Law Clinic.

Price added, “Although entertainment lawyers work behind the scenes, they can have a bigger influence on artists' careers than managers. They review artists’ agreements, deals and contacts, making sure their customers, interests are protected.”

“Artists are becoming wise and want to be involved in the business aspects of their careers,” said Price. “When they ask for legal advice, they want to know their legal rights, and how to make good deals and find ways to make more money.” Most HLS graduates end up working in business or corporate law, though some have had successful careers in the entertainment industry. Among them are Bruce Ramer, 58, who represents customers like George Clooney and Clint East wood; Bert Fields, 52, who represents Michael Jackson.

3 . Five-year-old Prisilla Perez, a student at Meador Elementary School in Willis, was unhappy with her recent haircut, which resulted from a severe disease. When students in her class started calling Prisilla a boy, she felt ashamed, often crying and losing focus in school.

Her teacher, Shannon Grimm, sympathized with her unhappiness. Grimm and Prisilla’s mom were concerned, but their ideas didn’t work. “We had classroom discussions about how girls have short hair and boys have long hair, and I showed them photos of movie stars with different looks,” Grimm said. “However, it wasn’t sinking in.”

Grimm thought about Prisilla throughout winter break, and one morning, she had an idea: Cut off her hair --- a scary thought for Grimm, who wore her hair long and took pride in it. “I’ve never had short hair, and I stressed about it for two weeks before making a decision,” she said. On Jan. 4, Grimm invited a hairstylist friend to her home. “I told him to keep going, even if I cried,” she said.

The class loved their teacher’s new do, especially Prisilla, who excitedly ran off the school bus that afternoon yelling, “Mom, Ms. Grimm cut her hair!” The teacher also bought matching bows for herself and the girl, so they could style their hair together.

In February, the teacher recommended Prisilla for the school district’s Student of the Month Award, but during the Monday ceremony, she received a surprise “hero medal” from the girl. “Now we have matching awards,” says Grimm.

Prisilla’s mother, Maria, said that Grimm’s thoughtfulness brought her to tears. “I was shocked. I was crying. I couldn’t believe it --- she did something I wouldn’t have the bravery to do. I will never forget that.”