Monica Sandu '24
Co-Executive Editor
This past Thursday marked the fall kickoff event for the Virginia Journal of International Law at Random Row. Truly, it was a momentous occasion, unparalleled by any other event at the Law School.[1] After a summer entirely online, it was refreshing to finally sit face-to-face with my fellow journal members and have a drink as we shared our recent tales of joy and woe. Most of all, I never pass up an opportunity for free pizza.[2]
This being my first time going to Random Row, I didn’t know what to expect—or even how to get there. The event started at 6 p.m., so, naturally, I left my home at 6:20.[3] “How can there be this many people out partying on Thursday evening?” I thought to myself as I passed the Corner on my way to go out partying on Thursday evening. I had put in the address in my GPS, but I was still caught off guard as I drove past the Dairy Market and was thrown into the wilds of Charlottesville. In my mind, I had confused Random Row with Kardinal Hall (an understandable mistake, really) and needed a few seconds to reorient myself.
The evening was windy, as I’m sure those of you who went to Carter Mountain can attest to, and I found myself surprised by the slight coolness in the air. No matter how many times I go through it, I’m somehow always caught off guard by the changing of the seasons. The pumpkin spice coffee creamer in my fridge notwithstanding, I’m never ready for fall. This time of year is busy.[4] I refuse to listen to people who try to tell me that the Fall Equinox has happened (on the same day as the kickoff, apparently) and that the days are only getting shorter from here. I don’t need that kind of negativity in my life. I already have a class that ends at 5:40 p.m.—I’m not looking forward to the time of year when it’s dark by the time I go home. However, there was no darkness in the room that evening. It was nice to take a night off, while simultaneously justifying it to myself as a responsible and productive academic event.
After getting a nametag, I made a beeline for the pizza. Having free food at events is always wonderful because it ensures that you always have some excuse to avoid filling awkward silences, as well as something to keep you busy, so you don’t just stand around waiting for someone you know. I myself took part in the time-honored tradition of standing politely on the edge of a circle of people and pretending to follow along with the conversation. Soon afterwards, the evening became a game of “I didn’t know that person was on VJIL!” followed by “Is it socially acceptable to go say ‘hi’ to them?”
Thankfully, I was able to latch on to someone I knew and join her group at their table, which was a fantastic way to meet people while not feeling overwhelmed by my newbie status. Soon, we were deep in conversation about the quirks of different languages and our thoughts on local restaurants. I got to catch up with old friends and make new ones. When asked for a comment, one member said, “I’m so glad to be a 2L. It’s so much better to be able to choose my own classes and to not be a 1L. Wait, is this anonymous?”[5]
One of the televisions at the bar was even playing Jeopardy, which was an unexpected, but quite welcome, surprise. However, the highlight of my evening had to be the lavender lemon kombucha they served. It was sparkling, not too sweet, and full of flavor, and it paired extremely well with the crispy and savory pizza. It also helped that I hadn’t had lunch that day. You have to make the system work for you—just fill up on the free stuff!
At some point, I can only say, “We went to a brewery and ate pizza” in so many words.[6] Overall, it was a relaxing, chill evening where I got to meet some of the many interesting and accomplished people who make up VJIL.
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ms7mn@virginia.edu
[1] Have no fear, dear 1Ls. In the spring, you, too, will get to experience the joy that is journal tryouts.
[2] I can neither confirm nor deny that this is also the reason why I joined the Law Weekly.
[3] Never let it be said that I don’t have impeccable time management skills.
[4] I mean, law school is never not busy, but you get my point.
[5] These comments are a statement of opinion and do not reflect VJIL’s position or views about 1Ls.
[6] And I’m trying to hit a word count here.