“You can feel sorry today, but not tomorrow.”
— Julia Ciampa
“Julia Ciampa was a ball of curious, positive energy…one of the most empathetic and funny people I’ve had the privilege of working with.”
That’s how Kristine Galvan, Ciampa’s former employer, remembers her.
As one of the first students she interviewed and hired, Kristine saw Ciampa step into her role as a student engagement coordinator during one of the most uncertain times of the pandemic. Even in the fully virtual environment, Ciampa stood out by bringing in curiosity, compassion and energy into every space she entered.
Now preparing to graduate from the University of Windsor Faculty of Law and write her bar exams, Ciampa’s path might seem like a straight line towards success. But if there’s one word she uses to describe it: transformative.
And not in an easy way.
I had the chance to sit down and talk about her career journey and the ups and downs throughout the process.
Starting with a voice
Ciampa began her journey at the University of Guelph-Humber, studying Justice Studies while earning a diploma in police foundations. Even then, she knew she wanted to pursue law.
In fact, when asked to write her future career on her graduation photo, she wrote “aspiring lawyer.”
But before stepping into courtrooms and lecture halls filled with case law, she found herself stepping into student leadership with IGNITE.
“I feel that my time at IGNITE was probably the best part of my undergraduate journey,” she said. “It shaped who I became.”
After seeing IGNITE’s strong campus presence through events, campaigns and student outreach, Ciampa decided to run for a position on the Board of Directors during her first year.
“I had so many things that I wanted to say,” she said. “I thought that was my avenue to advocate for students and really get involved.”
Inspired by Drake’s Scorpion era, Ciampa designed campaign posters around the rapper’s album aesthetic while encouraging classmates and friends to spread the word during the elections.
And before long, Ciampa was elected alongside fellow student leader Erika Johnson, beginning what she describes as one of the best years of her post-secondary experience.
Leading students through a pandemic
After serving on the Board of Directors, Ciampa transitioned into the role of Student Engagement Coordinator at IGNITE, just as the world began shutting down due to the pandemic.
“We started in-person for about two weeks,” she said. “And then all of a sudden, the world shuts down.”
Like many students across the world, Ciampa found herself adapting to online learning. But unlike many students, she was also responsible for helping support an entire student community through the uncertainty.
Her work moved onto Teams meetings, Instagram lives and online initiatives to keep students connected. One particular initiative she spearheaded focused on supporting student-run and alumni-run small businesses. Through online features and promotions, students were encouraged to support one another during an incredibly difficult economic period.
One student entrepreneur she highlighted was a kinesiology student who had shifted his personal training business online during lockdown.
Years later, she still follows his journey.
“It’s so bittersweet to see your peers grow from where they started,” she said. “Seeing someone build something successful from the ground up is such a win.”
And even virtually, the IGNITE team developed a strong connection with weekly check-ins with her coworkers.
The rejections that changed everything
After graduating, Ciampa expected to go straight into law school. Except she didn’t. She was waitlisted and ultimately not accepted and she found herself questioning everything.
But she did not let that get to her; instead, she set a rule for herself:
“You can feel sorry for yourself today, but not tomorrow.”
A blessing in disguise
That shift led her to unexpected opportunities. Ciampa decided to work as a courtroom clerk in Toronto’s criminal courts, gaining hands-on experience with trials, filings and courtroom processes. She later worked at the Crown’s Attorney’s office, and for the first time, she saw how the legal system operated behind the scenes.
“At the time, it felt like the worst thing that could’ve happened,” she said. “But looking back now, I wouldn’t change it.”
Those experiences gave her something many students entering law school didn’t yet have: practical understanding.
What once felt like failure had quietly become preparation.
Learning to think like a lawyer
One lesson from a mentor that stuck with her was: Why?
That simple question reshaped the way she approaches advocacy, argument and communication.
“In law, the answer is always: it depends,” she laughed.
For someone who describes herself as highly organized and driven by certainty, that adjustment was difficult at first. Law forced her to move beyond memorization and to focus instead on reasoning, interpretation and application.
The memories — the okra incident
Of course, not every IGNITE memory involved advocacy meetings and initiatives.
Some involved okra.
During one filmed IGNITE challenge, Ciampa participated in a cooking competition in which students had to create a dish using a mystery ingredient. There was only one problem.
“I had no idea what okra was,” she laughed.
Armed with limited cooking skills and complete confusion, Ciampa attempted to create an okra pasta dish while confidently referring to peas as beans throughout the entire challenge.
Years later, she still laughs about it.
“I think I have the IGNITE title of worst chef, but the funniest chef.”
Slowing down and appreciating the moment
Now standing at the finish line of law school, Ciampa has spent more than 20 years of her life as a student. And for the first time in a long time, she’s allowing herself to pause.
“If I could tell my younger self anything,” she said, “it would be to slow down.”
For years, her mindset was focused on the next step forward, but now, she is celebrating wins while they happen.
Thoughts to students
For students starting or navigating uncertainty, Ciampa hopes her story serves as a reminder that setbacks do not define your future.
“It will be hard,” she said. “But it will be worth it.”
And sometimes, the moments that feel like the biggest disappointments become the experiences that shape you the most.
Feature photo courtesy of IGNITE
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