With less than a month before finals, the reality has dawned on me. After I take my last final for Con Law, on May 13, I’ll officially be done with 1L. Law school, thus far, has been a rewarding experience. I’ve learned more about the law than I could’ve ever imagined possible in just one year.
Here’s what I’m looking forward to as I take the next step in my law school journey.
- More free time
Let’s face it. The 1L schedule is rough. In one way, it’s great to come away with exposure to all different types of law. But I definitely won’t miss the 8:30 am-4:30 pm school days. The main piece of reassurance I’ve received from my older peers has been that “it only gets better from here.” Having more of a work-life balance next year will certainly help.
- More freedom to explore my interests
One of the best things about this past semester has been being able to choose my own elective. While 1L largely has a standardized curriculum, in the spring, 1Ls get a whole list of elective options to choose from, from Appellate Judging to Work Law. I took the Introduction to Human Rights, Refugee, and Humanitarian Law and I loved it! The smaller class size, guest speakers, and unique subject matter led to an enriching experience that provided me fresh insight into a new domain of law. In 2L, it’s total free reign: there is more breadth and depth in the course offerings, and that will help me narrow down my legal niche.
- More experiential learning
As a 2L, I am now able to take advantage of BC Law’s wide range of experiential learning offerings. Building off the work from Law Practice, clinics offer students the opportunity to practice as student attorneys on criminal justice matters, civil rights, immigration law, even startup development. There is truly something for everyone. I could also personalize my experiential learning through the externship program. I’m hoping to take part in a judicial externship to follow-up my judicial internship this summer.
- More friends!
Over the course of 1L, I’ve really bonded with my section (Section 3 represent)! It has been invaluable to have a smaller community within BC both academically and socially, and the people I’m surrounded by have made this 1L experience so much better. Through my 2L classes, I hope to expand my network and meet more people who share my passion for the law. After all, my peers today could be my colleagues tomorrow.
With all its ups and downs, I’ve had a great 1L year. I’m excited for what’s to come.
Sangeeta Kishore is a first-year student at BC Law and vice president of the Impact blog. Contact her at kishorsa@bc.edu.
BC Law: Impact 