I did a few hours in a PA38 in Jersey in the 80s. I thoroughly enjoyed it, much more so than the 152 I flew a couple of years later.
Prior to flying it, I had plenty of spinning experience in various types, mainly Chipmunks and Blaniks, but I have to say, I found the PA38's spin-entry characteristics impressive to say the least. I can see why a low-houred student might have been frightened by the rapidity of the entry.
Having said that, the recovery was always benign and by the book.