I just attended my last law school class. At the end of it, just an hour ago, my professor asked the 3Ls to stand. She and the other students applauded, and she thanked us for giving our time to UVA.

I don’t know why, but it was such a touching moment. As I stood there, I couldn’t help but think:

Three years.

Past.

I have two exams, a paper, and a final draft of my thesis, and I’m done. It’s so surreal. Since I was a little girl, all I wanted to do was go to law school.

And now…it’s over.

Yes, there’s the promise of the practice of law. But I don’t know how to live outside an academic environment. The prospect is both exhilarating and frightening.

Usually, I’m a very nostalgic person. And yes, I am beginning to feel nostalgic over my law school experience. But it took a lot longer than I would have anticipated. For most of the year I just wanted to be done so I could get out of here and on to the next stage. But now, despite the late nights, mandatory curve, cold calling, and overall stress, I almost feel like it’s too soon for it all to come to an end.

Honestly, my thoughts and emotions are a jumbled mess. I don’t know how to reflect on these last three years. What they mean. What I’ve learned. How I’ve grown. What’s next.

But I need to. And it’s exam time, when I’m eager to find anything to do but study. So prepare yourselves. I may be back with vengance over the next couple of weeks.

In the mean time, that same professor who had us stand today gave a charge to our entire graduating class a couple of weeks ago. I appreciated what she had to say, so I thought I’d share it with you. I hope you enjoy it too.