Where have ftx students been?
- 2025 Summer Issue
The other day, someone said it feels like summer is breezing right past us. And while that may be true (especially for those of us still recovering from 1L), some students have been using these summer months to slow down, reset and embrace experiences far from home. Ex Curia sat down with a handful of students to see what they had gotten up to over the first part of the summer so we could share some of that adventure with you.
From Dublin to Istanbul
After finishing 1L, James Brierley took off on a solo backpacking trip across Europe before beginning the MA portion of his joint JD/MA program. We caught up with him to chat about his summer journey and how it’s reshaped his outlook on life, law and the pace of it all.
How did you feel after finishing 1L?
“Tired… but grateful and very relieved.”
Did you know your summer was going to look like this back then?
“Sort of. I think I got it in my head that I needed to get a job in the legal field asap and for a while I was quite dedicated to the 1L recruit and summer job search. Gradually though I realized I’ve got my whole life to work in a law firm and need to slow down and remember to enjoy the journey.”
What have you been doing on your trip?
“I’ve been solo backpacking Europe for a little over a month now. I began in Dublin and I’ve been gradually moving east towards Istanbul.”
What’s been your favourite part so far?
“Pushing myself outside of my comfort zone and the challenge of figuring things out as I go and improvising when things inevitably go wrong. I’ve also met a lot of incredible people from around the world!”
Are you dreading the return, or do you have plans lined up for when you get back?
“Nah, I’ll be completing an economics course as a prerequisite for my master’s year and writing articles for the Jurist legal news site.”
Does it feel like 1L was really that long ago?
“It does not feel long ago at all! That’s another reason I’m glad to have slowed down and done something different this summer… the law school journey goes by quick!”
Has that feeling changed how you see your next few years in law school?
“Yeah. I’m in the JD/MA program so next year I’ll be at Carleton doing course work for my masters. I’m really looking forward to the events hosted by the university and the chance to discuss topics I’m really interested in… no offence to my contracts prof.”
Any advice for other law students debating whether to travel or work?
“I think honestly that’s what I’m looking forward to the most. I tell people that you should always try something new! This might be your last summer to get out and take some risks. The legal field will still be there a year from now so don’t be afraid to capitalize on this unique opportunity.”
Europe
What inspired you to travel to Europe this summer?
Before she even boarded the plane, Edna Rodriguez shared that she was feeling “tired and exhausted.” Like many law students, she had been counting down the days until summer. But layered beneath the usual burnout was a sense of excitement.She had planned this trip for months and was eager to explore Europe alongside her brother. It wasn’t just about visiting landmarks, but about experiencing the rhythm of life in different cultures.
What were you most looking forward to?
For Edna, the experience had multiple layers. On one hand, she was excited to see Europe’s iconic architecture and try new cuisines. On the other, she was curious about how people in different countries approached life. She noted that “the laid-back and relaxed mentality permeated every aspect of society,” which opened her eyes as to how expectations a law student sets for themselves can change over time.
Did this trip change your outlook on your studies or career in law?
While Edna appreciated the calm pace of life abroad, she was quick to clarify that this does not mean that the practice of law requires a laid-back mindset. In fact, after returning home, she immediately threw herself into work and volunteer roles in criminal law. Still, the trip left her with an important lesson: to roll with the punches and remain calm.
What’s next?
Inspired by her travels, Edna said that she may explore the possibility of moving to Europe in the future – a move that would allow her to strike the balance between legal practice and the overall approach to life that she experienced abroad.
Any advice for fellow law students considering a getaway?
Echoing a common theme among this summer’s travelers, Edna emphasized the importance of doing things that make you happy. As she put it: “The pressures of law school are only remedied by impactful relaxation.”
Japan
“Historic, immersive and memorable”
This is how Faye Hecht (3L) described her unforgettable two-week trip to Japan. We sat down with Faye to hear all about the highlights of her trip and why she thinks Japan is the perfect destination for law students looking to recharge, reflect and be inspired.
What inspired you to choose Japan as your summer destination and how long were you there?
“I first visited Japan two years ago with my best friend and was blown away by the mix of centuries; old temples, bustling city streets and genuinely warm hospitality. That trip had me counting down the days until I would visit Japan again, and I was so excited to be able to visit this past May with my partner. We spent 14 days exploring, revisiting old favourites in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, while making time to discover new cities and areas in the country. The balance of culture, food and scenery made it the perfect place to visit.”
Which city or cities did you visit in Japan, and what was your favorite place and activity to do there?
“We spent our two weeks in Japan making our way through Tokyo, Mt. Fuji, Kyoto, Osaka, Wakayama City, Kobe, and then back to Tokyo before flying home. Kyoto was my clear favourite. I love how the ancient temples sit side-by-side with sleek cafes and boutique shops. The highlight there was taking part in a traditional tea ceremony: we donned kimono, learned the steps of how to properly whisk matcha, and paired each sip with Nama Yatsuhashi, a triangular sweet mochi treat only found in Kyoto. It is an experience I will never forget!”
Did you try any amazing or unusual Japanese foods that you’d recommend?
“Japanese cuisine is full of standouts, but my top pick was the ramen in Wakayama. The broth is richer and slightly sweet, coating thick noodles and topped with tender pork, scallions, and a hint of garlic. It was a nice change from the usual lighter styles and 100% worth checking out.”
Did you experience any cultural customs or traditions in Japan that stood out to you? If so, please elaborate.
“At each temple and shrine, worshippers toss a coin into the offering box, bow twice, clap twice, then bow once more before making a wish. I followed the same steps, then drew an omikuji, which is a fortune slip that you tie to a nearby rack if the prediction isn’t in your favour. The whole ritual felt sincere. It showed me how these customs remain woven into everyday life in Japan, bridging generations through a shared moment of reflection. That simple ceremony gave me a fresh perspective on Japan’s living traditions and a deep respect for their cultural heritage.”
Did you face any challenges adapting to a new environment or language barriers, and how did you overcome them?
“I did face a few challenges, mostly dealing with signs and menus since they were all in Japanese. I got around it with the help of Google Maps and Deepl for quick translations. In restaurants without English menus, I would point at pictures or ask the staff to explain the specials of the day. A simple ‘sumimasen’ plus a thumbs up usually did the trick, and people were consistently patient and often went out of their way to help. Combining digital tools with Japanese phrases turned language barriers into opportunities to connect.”
Would you recommend Japan as a summer vacation spot for other law students? Why?
“Absolutely! Japan is the perfect place to be for any law student. You will see how regulations shape everything from onsen etiquette to food safety standards, all against a backdrop of centuries-old customs and traditions. It is safe and easy to navigate thanks to a rail network that is famously punctual and increasingly English-friendly. Visiting during the spring and summer season also adds another layer, as local festivals offer a glimpse into their community. You will come home feeling sad but refreshed, inspired and ready to take on any challenge you may come across!”
Pennsylvania
“Refreshing, cozy, and educational”
That’s how Salma El Hajj (2L) summed up her summer trip to Pennsylvania. We caught up with her to learn more about her time away from campus and why she believes law students should make space for breaks that feed both the mind and the soul.
What inspired your family to choose Pennsylvania for your vacation?
“I have some family who live in Exton, Pennsylvania, and we go visit them every summer or winter break.”
Was there a highlight or a particularly memorable moment from the trip that stood out to you?
“Pennsylvania is really well known for its Amish farms, so I got the chance to visit the Lancaster area and learn more about Amish history at the Amish Farm and House, as well as pick up a few goodies and a book.”
Did you have any unexpected or unique experiences during your travels?
“There were many: seeing Amish women shopping at Target or riding a scooter with packs of Gatorade, visiting law firms in the West Chester area (which I absolutely loved, as PA preserves historical buildings and homes and turns them into businesses), or grabbing some Manhattan Bagel with their honey almond cream cheese spread. I’ve also really enjoyed cozy family dinners (steaks, corn, and mashed potatoes) and late-night desserts (homemade Magnolia Bakery’s banana pudding).”
Did you learn anything about yourself during this vacation?
“I learned that I am definitely someone who should take on more risks. Even with the many things and projects I am involved in, there is always room for growth, and I am very excited to see where it takes me as I ride the wave.”
How did this vacation help you recharge or prepare for the upcoming semester?
“It definitely gave me a change of scenery and reaffirmed my goal of having a career in law by working with people who love what they do, aim for longevity and want to make an impact on the community around me, as well as continuing to work on personal creative projects which, in Darina Boykova’s words, give law students a ‘soul.'”
Did your perspective as a law student influence how you experienced this trip (e.g., history, culture, law-related sites)?
“Absolutely. By visiting firms in the West Chester area and getting to know a few attorneys who are excelling in their field, I also got to bond with some over my personal journey and discussed how little grades matter in the grand scheme of things. It only made me want to focus more on excelling in my personal projects and in how I serve my community, as my goal is to hopefully come back next summer and work with these very personable people who I see as having a positive impact on me.”
Did you visit any places with historical or legal significance while you were there?
“I visited Longwood Gardens in PA, which is one of the biggest gardens in America (something out of Bridgerton, if you ask me), and got to learn more about the founder, Pierre S. du Pont, who purchased the land in 1906 with the goal of preserving the historic trees on the property. He was a very wealthy man and contributed to companies like General Motors. Seeing such a place made it feel worthwhile to invest in something you love and stay the course to see it grow.”
What was your favorite spot or activity in Pennsylvania that you’d recommend to other students?
“I’m very big on good food and atmosphere. The Taku Japanese Steakhouse was a memorable experience. I went with my family, and we got a hibachi show where the cook did a few tricks in between and poured water into people’s mouths at the table.
Another favorite is Oh Brother Philly in Philadelphia, which is a famous cheesesteak spot in the city. It serves, in addition to amazing Philly cheesesteaks, the thickest onion rings I’ve ever tried.”
Any advice for law students who are thinking about planning a short break or road trip during the semester?
“Definitely visit West Chester. Other than the pretty streets and historical buildings that have been preserved to hold many shops, there are some delicious pit stops like Insomnia Cookies (which, in my opinion, beats Crumbl Cookies every time) or the Malvern area, which has some pretty good coffee shops like Malvern Buttery.”
Is there a fun travel story from Pennsylvania that would make for a good side note in the article?
“Possibly waiting in line at Target (across the street from the Amish Farm and House) and seeing an Amish woman patiently wait in front of a man who decided to buy bulk Crayola crayons and nothing else (he held up the line for a solid 25 minutes). While waiting, I wondered, ‘What kind of necessities do the Amish buy from here?’ Then, on the drive back, I saw the same Amish woman on her scooter with a Target bag and two packs of orange Gatorade (no, it was absolutely not electric; queen was definitely pushing all that on foot). That night, my friend and I (neither of us having a driver’s license) made our Amish queen into a meme, and now the scooter emojis are used in our text messages when we want to get somewhere but have no mode of transport or means to get there. This definitely was a day when I experienced both culture shock and a desire for a scooter to get around town.”
Germany
“Slow and Mindful”
Our very own Debbie Bhattacharya also went on a trip of her own; first to Egypt and then to Germany. We asked her to answer the following questions to get a better idea of what she experienced.
What have you been up to during the summer?
This summer I was very lucky to be able to work as a legal intern at an NGO in Germany! The experience was fantastic as I could travel, meet new people and also develop my professional skills.
How did you feel after the end of 2L?
Honestly, I was a bit lost after 2L ended. I didn’t have a secure position lined up and while I had some options for the summer, I felt like I had failed at something I didn’t even know I was supposed to accomplish. But, I still wanted to learn, grow and make something of my summer.
What has been your favourite part?
My favourite and also the most challenging part of my travels has been the fact that I travelled and lived in a new country by myself. It not only forced me to step out of my comfort zone, but also allowed me to have so many experiences I would not have had if I weren’t on my own. Whether it be navigating in a small town where I don’t know the language or facing my biggest fears (finding a spider in my bedroom), I had nobody to ask for help, and I had to problem-solve all on my own.
What was the most important lesson you learnt from travelling?
I think being exposed to a different way of life — even if for only a couple of months — was quite transformative for me. Life in Germany is much slower than in North America, and this forced me to be more mindful and take my time. I walked rather than taking transportation. I sipped my coffee instead of chugging it. I recognized the value of taking time off from work and spending time in nature; moreover, I felt no guilt over doing so. I learnt about the importance of work-life balance, and this is something I will carry with me throughout my career.
What plans do you have for the rest of the summer?
I plan to relax! I realized this summer will probably be the last time until I retire that I will have an extended period of time off. So, I have been working on things I have always wanted to do, that I never got the time to do before. I’ve been swimming, reading and biking. I’ve been doing water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding. I’m catching up with old friends,making new ones and spending a lot of time with family.
What are you looking forward to for the next year?
I’m really excited to sink my teeth into my courses next year. I’ve always felt that learning and reading has been my favourite part of law school, and I am excited to explore new ideas and learn some new stuff!
Is there anything you would like to say to the student body regarding their summer?
Don’t think the traditional summer routes are the only options available to you. The university has numerous supports and opportunities available for students who want to explore alternative pathways in the legal profession or who want international exposure, and you should make use of them while you can! I also want to remind 1Ls and 2Ls that while obtaining that coveted summer position seems like the most consequential experience in law school, it really is only 4 months in your decades-long career. So, use the resources available at the university, learn lots and have fun!
