Submitted by Alonda Thomas
FAMU Media
ORLANDO – Attending law school can sometimes feel like a long and challenging process; however, two graduates from the Florida A&M University (FAMU) College of Law discovered friendship and motivation through their collective desire to pursue their dreams to become attorneys. A chance meeting for Christina Lanzilla and Stephanie Maines through a mutual acquaintance birthed an unbreakable friendship forged during the demanding journey through law school. The new BFFs (Best Friends Forever) will graduate and participate in the Fall 2024 commencement exercises in Tallahassee on Saturday, Dec. 14.
Christina, unsure of her path after earning her psychology degree, found inspiration during a conversation with a family friend who is in an attorney.
“When I went to speak with the attorney about possibly going to law school, he informed me of all the doors that having a juris doctorate could open for me, even if I had chosen not to become an attorney. He also told me about the reward of helping others in the community, and the beauty of making connections within the legal field,” said Christina. “I was hesitant, knowing this would be a long, grueling, and financially burdensome decision, but he assured me that it was nothing that I couldn’t overcome with a little persistence and determination. I’ve always classified myself as a very driven person, so at this point in my life, when I saw all the opportunities law school could provide for my future, I knew there was nothing that could stop me.”
Stephanie began her legal journey as a paralegal, encouraged by her mentor – the same attorney – to pursue law school despite her initial doubts. That same day, Stephanie shared her recent acceptance to FAMU Law and convinced Christina to take the leap into law school.
“I told Christina that anything she needed help with in the application process I would help her with,” said Stephanie. “I told her I was pursuing law school because of the opportunities and doors it could open. It was very nice to have someone going through the same experience, and I gave her recommendations for prepping for the LSAT. I didn’t really convince her; I mostly just helped through the process.”
Their friendship truly began during orientation, where they realized they could carpool to the College of Law’s Orlando campus, saving time and money while building a strong bond. The long car rides each morning became their safe space to discuss cases, tackle difficult topics, and support each other through moments of self-doubt.
“I live in Inverness, which is about an hour and a half both ways from FAMU College of Law in Orlando, so a three-hour round trip. Stephanie lives in Lake Panasoffkee, which was on my route to Orlando, which from her house is about an hour away from campus in Orlando,” recalls Christina. “So, I would drive to Stephanie’s house, and either she would get in my car or we would both get in her car and go to school from there. We alternated who drove to campus every day, so neither of us would be burnt out from the long drive.”
One unforgettable moment came when an unexpected traffic disaster on Florida’s Turnpike nearly caused them to miss a midterm exam. They turned the mishap into a learning experience, vowing to always be prepared, including booking a hotel room in Orlando the night before morning exams.
Both credit their friendship for their success in law school.
“Stephanie’s loyalty and encouragement kept me going on days I felt like giving up,” said Christina.
Their mutual respect and understanding created a foundation that made even the hardest days manageable.
“Having Christina by my side made the experience less isolating,” said Stephanie.
As they look to the future, Christina and Stephanie plan to study for and pass the bar together and remain lifelong friends. Christina would like to work at a personal injury firm and Stephanie plans to work with a remote firm that specializes in real estate, guardianship, and government contracts.
Law school brought them together, but their shared determination, honesty, and support solidified a friendship that will endure far beyond graduation. In their words, their friendship is “goofy, loving, and understanding” – a testament to the power of finding your person during life’s toughest challenges.
