I’ve reached the end of spring break. In some ways, it feels like the end of my 1L year as well. With only a few weeks left before finals, I have no doubt that this last stretch will fly by. 1L has been such a whirlwind. I’ve learned far more about myself than I ever expected, and I can confidently say there’s a clear difference between who I was when I started law school and who I am now.

One aspect of the spring semester that was more taxing than I anticipated was the 1L summer job search. The entire process was quite a grind and reflected some of the inherent issues within the law school sphere. However, I’ll save those thoughts for another post.

Thankfully, the grind wasn’t in vain. As a result, I’ve accepted two internship positions for my 1L summer. The first is as a legal intern with the Allegheny County Office of the District Attorney. The second is with a non-profit organization in Akron that helps underprivileged high schoolers prepare for college—and possibly law school. Both positions are exciting for different reasons. Working with the District Attorney’s Office will provide excellent experience, insight into local governmental procedures, and hopefully a small taste of what life in litigation might be like. With the non-profit, I’ll gain valuable skills in teaching and communication. Part of my role will also involve writing a research paper, which may be the part I’m most looking forward to.

It feels like the perfect blend of my interests—practical legal experience on one hand, and on the other, the opportunity to serve, teach, and empower the next generation. As I reflect on where I started and where I am now, I realize I didn’t come into law school knowing exactly what kind of lawyer I wanted to be. I still don’t, really. But I have a better idea than I did two semesters ago. Hopefully in another two, I’ll have a bit more of the puzzle figured out.

It’s humbling to recognize how much support I’ve had along the way. Professors, peers, mentors, and even strangers on LinkedIn have been incredibly generous with their time, advice, and encouragement. I’ve had moments of imposter syndrome, anxiety, and plain exhaustion—but I’ve also had breakthroughs, quiet confidence, and a growing sense of purpose.

Looking ahead, I’m trying to carry two things with me into these last few weeks: gratitude and momentum. Gratitude for the growth, the friendships, and the grace to keep moving forward. And momentum, not just to finish strong academically, but to approach these internships with curiosity and intention.