The first semester of law school has a reputation: grueling case loads, Socratic anxiety, exams that determine your entire grade. But for many Carolina Law students, the fall semester taught lessons that went far beyond legal doctrine. 

Ellee De Ghetto learned that her legal writing cohort, study aids, and Chrissy’s Corner would get her through the tough days. But the biggest discovery was simpler: “Sleep is far more important than I gave it credit for. I was so surprised how different my performance was on practice problems and exams on days I slept well versus days when I didn’t.” 

Now that fall exams are behind them, 1Ls can look ahead to spring. But 3L class president Lily Burdick has advice about how to spend the time in between. “I think I was really stressed about my grades during the winter break, but they didn’t all come back until January, and they’re out of my hands either way,” Burdick said, reflecting on her first year. “I wish I would’ve spent less time worrying about that and summer jobs and more time enjoying the time off.” 

As she approaches graduation, Burdick emphasizes the importance of rest: “Law school never stops being busy, and those few weeks in the winter when we have no classes or summer internships are so important to rest, relax, recover, and make sure we’re all engaging in the hobbies we had before school started.” 

Burdick’s own journey involved a shift in approach. Outside commitments kept her from getting deeply involved on campus at first. But she eventually joined law review, ran for SBA, completed three externships, became an RA, served as an honors writing scholar, and led two enrichment groups. “I think leaning into being a student again and taking advantage of what school has to offer has really enriched my experience,” she said. 

Asked to describe the mood among 3Ls heading into their final semester, Burdick offered a metaphor: “You know you had a great trip when you’ve both made amazing memories and feel ready to return home. That’s how I think the 3Ls feel as the year wraps up. The experience has had highs and lows, and I am personally so glad I’ve gone on this journey, but I am really looking forward to the end.” 

Maddy Calick, SBA president, shares that readiness to graduate while also recognizing what will be lost. “I am excited to finish, but honestly, I’m going to miss Carolina Law,” she said. “This might sound crazy, but I love coming to school each day and seeing my peers. This is such a unique experience so I’m a little sad it’s ending.” 

Calick will be taking the New York bar after graduation and has a job lined up as a first-year associate at Fried Frank in Manhattan. But right now, she’s soaking in what’s left. She’s looking forward to spending time with the friends she’s made at Carolina Law, Barristers’ Ball, and one other priority: the New York Yankees’ home opener. 

Atharv (Avi) Kripak found that first semester brought personal growth alongside academic growth. During orientation week, he reached out to OutLaw’s executive board for support as he navigated being open about his identity for the first time. “Their warmth and enthusiasm in supporting me during this time truly stayed with me. I was also struck by the thoughtfulness and kindness I experienced from classmates and faculty as I shared this part of my life with them,” Kripak said. 

Navigating personal identity while learning to think like a lawyer could have been overwhelming. Instead, Kripak found that the two processes reinforced each other. “Going through it gave me an immense sense of confidence in myself and my ability to navigate a period of personal growth alongside a rigorous course load,” he said. “Being able to show up as my authentic self at Carolina Law has been incredibly meaningful.” 

The sense of community that helped shape these student experiences hasn’t gone unnoticed by new faculty. Mark Storslee joined Carolina Law this year as associate professor and C. Boyden Gray Distinguished Scholar. He arrived knowing about the school’s “world-class faculty” and “impressive history,” but his first semester confirmed something harder to quantify. 

“Carolina Law really is exceptional. It combines academic excellence, a warm community, and a sense of service that you have to experience firsthand to fully understand,” Storslee said. This past fall was “one of the best” semesters he’s had since becoming a law professor. “The students in my first-year course were incredible, and their determination and positive attitudes brought joy and lots of laughter to the semester.” 

As students return for the spring term, they’re carrying forward what they learned. De Ghetto is excited about the 1L mock trial competition and 1L Olympics, Kripak is looking forward to building on the relationships he started forming in the fall, and Storslee can’t wait to be back in the classroom teaching Church & State.