Student Organizations: Welcome New Students!

On behalf of the Student Bar Association and the student body, I would like to welcome and congratulate you. You made it! Relax. Do not be nervous or anxious, be proud. Take a second to appreciate all that you have accomplished. You are a member of the UConn Law community, embrace it and you have earned it. Your first year will be the hardest, most rigorous two semesters of study that you will face. Your character will be tested, but you will prevail. So for right now, take it easy. You will have plenty of time to move into the library, grapple with legalese, and make the transition from Webster’s Dictionary to Black’s Law Dictionary.

 

I encourage you to spend what is left of your summer not thinking about law at all. You have the rest of your life for that. Instead, take the time to clear your mind. Get some sleep. See old friends. However, if you are unable to keep your mind off of what is before you, then please do me a favor; think about how you can contribute to the UConn Law community. Think about the type of student you want to be. 

 

Will you be the student that volunteers in the local community, providing much needed legal service to people in need? Will you be the sort of student who mentors Hartford High School students who dream of one day being a law student like yourself? Will you be the sort of student that represents their class in the Student Bar Association, proudly advocating on their behalf? Will you be the sort of student that represents UConn Law at national Moot Court and Mock Trial competitions? Will you be the sort of student to publish scholarly legal articles? Or will you be student that does all that and more?

 

No matter what sort of Student you become, remember that UConn Law School is a small community full of big opportunities. Think about how you will take advantage of them. Last year alone, students prepared taxes for low-income residents, assisted in neighborhood clean-up initiatives, and advocated for pro bono clients. Students ran symposia drawing highly respected scholars from around the world on topics ranging from the United States’ Constitution to the role of mental illness in defining guilt. Students represented UConn Law at interscholastic Moot Court and Mock Trial Competitions around the country. There were UConn Law basketball, hockey and soccer games. Students even traveled to a softball tournament hosted by the University of Virginia School of Law. There were semi-formals, Halloween parties, and plenty of socials. During your first year, you will have to dedicate numerous hours to study, but there will also be time for getting involved and having fun.  I encourage you to do a lot of both.

 

Now, do me one last favor. When you arrive, remember your fellow students are future colleagues, so be sure to make many friends, smile often, help others, and most importantly be yourself. Try not to worry so much. Although I truly understand that is easier said than done, I am confident that you will be a great success.

 

I look forward to meeting you in the fall!

 

Marco Angelo Allocca

President, Student Bar Association