1L of a Time I began my journey at Santa Clara University in 2016, unloading boxes into what would become my beloved Swig dorm room. The next four years were characterized by incredible friendships, insightful professors, and immersive internships. I graduated summa cum laude with a double major in political science and communication. When Santa Clara Law offered me a place in the incoming 2024 class, it was easy to turn down offers from other universities, as I knew Santa Clara Law was the only place I wanted to be. I would be lying if I said I didn’t think having a Bronco background would give me an insider’s advantage at Santa Clara Law; after all, I had already spent time in Charney as an office assistant and was co-president of the Pre-Law Fraternity. But the unimaginable happened: I went to the wrong classroom on the first day of classes! Realizing my mistake with just a minute to spare, I frantically found the right room, sat down, and tried to calm my nerves. Seconds later Professor Streseman was calling on me to answer the very first question of the semester: “What is the meaning of Civil Procedure?” I stumbled over what I’m sure was a painfully awkward answer. And truth be told, there were many points in my first semester where I felt like I was breathlessly trying to sprint an entire marathon. However, as I take a moment to reflect, I see three things that empowered me and helped me gain my stride. #1: FINDING LIKE-MINDED PEOPLE Getting involved in student organizations has been the greatest way to find my people at Santa Clara Law. Early on in the semester, I joined the Latinx Law Student Association (LLSA), Immigration Law Society (ILS), and Women in Law. I became the 1L representative for both LLSA and ILS. Through ILS, I helped host an on-campus attorney panel and made personal connections with several visiting attorneys. With LLSA I signed up for a student-mentor, and was paired with Gilbert Benavidez J.D. ’22. Since our first lunch together, he has been my go-to for resources, advice, and encouragement. His guidance has been pivotal for me, and absolutely the type of mentorship that I hope to give to future 1Ls. In LLSA, I knew I found “mi gente” when we all broke out singing “Las Manañitas” to celebrate a birthday in the Charney Hall atrium. Joining these societies gave me the gift of people who cheer me on, and who I can cheer on in return. #2: TAKING ADVANTAGE OF OFFICE HOURS One of the reasons I felt law school would be a good fit was because I love writing. My Legal Reading and Writing course
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challenged that love. The first memo I was assigned was on the viability of a negligence liability claim; it was a humbling experience to say the least. My professors all encouraged students to stop by their office hours, and I quickly became a regular at Professor Schunks’. Each week I walked through potential arguments and structure choices, and eventually I saw my areas for growth. I put in the extra hours so I could turn in each memo with pride, and I was reassured by the continual improvement I saw in my work. While I’m sure future semesters will bring new challenges, I will continue to take advantage of the knowledge and expertise that Santa Clara Law professors have to offer. #3: LEANING ON MY LOVED ONES If there’s one thing law students can agree on, it’s that law school is extremely time consuming. There were many times I felt there were not enough hours in the day for all I needed to get done. But Santa Clara Law is special in that its professors genuinely want students to prioritize their well-being. I can still hear Professor Flynn calling to us as we filed out of class one day, reminding us to reach out to someone we loved that weekend. Having support from my family felt more necessary than ever my first semester. They know I’ve always set very high expectations for myself, and as the start of finals season collided with Thanksgiving, they reminded me of how capable I was. Finally, I have to give a shoutout to my two incredible roommates who immediately felt like family, Caley Falcocchia 2L and Madison Soltesz 1L. We live two doors down from our best friends, Spencer Gavin 2L, Kevin Lowe 2L, and Andrew San Jose J.D. ’21. Our walks around the neighborhood, spaghetti dinners, and game nights were the highlights of my first semester. The constant comedic relief in our group chat was also very necessary. I imagine that these next two years will go by quickly. I’m happy to look back now and say that I believe the opportunities I took advantage of and the struggles I endured in my first semester have set me up well to make the most of my time in Charney Hall. SANTA CLARA LAW
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