By French Vivienne T. Templonuevo | Layout by Lynden Alyanna M. Valenzuela
Fake it till you make it.
Law students may have mastered the ‘art of not-giving-a-fudge.’ They may have always been succumbing to spiralling fear the moment they stepped foot in the cold halls within the Bedan red walls. Yet, they valiantly stood before challenging professors. Creeping anxiety and gut-wrenching distress did not forestall them from reaching for the stars.
As they traversed the labyrinthine path of law school, they profusely shared significant lessons to ponder about pursuing the ultimacy of victory in the study of law. Bedans shared their valuable narratives arising from their lived experiences.
Lynden Valenzuela
Listen to yourself. It does not matter if you’re already a third-year or a graduating student, law school will continue to put so much pressure and so much stress on you. But, I found that one of the best ways to push through is to listen to what your body and mind are telling you. If you need to rest, go take a rest; if you can barely keep your eyes open, go sleep. The more you listen to your body, the more it will give you the energy and the motivation to move forward. Don’t take yourself for granted. You can do this!
Franzelle Pinca
It doesn’t matter if they lose faith in you; just don’t lose faith in yourself. Believe that you can finish strong in law school. Of course, it’s not every day that you’ll be motivated throughout your law school journey. There will be doubts and many hurdles that you need to overcome. From good recits to bokya, from aral na aral to walang bala. But at the end of the day, you will always need to believe that you can do it. No matter what challenges are thrown your way, you will always have the strength and courage to face anything. Remember, you are the master of your destiny, and this belief will be your guiding light along the way.
Elisha Faye Yuipco
It truly takes a village to raise a law student. There were days when the weight of it all felt unbearable, but because of the love and support of my family and friends, it gave me the strength to push forward. With them by my side, I learned that even the steepest mountain could be moved. My advice to law students: surround yourself with a good support system that will uplift you, remind you of your purpose, and stand by you through it all.
Pamela Abraham Paez
Remember why you started in the first place. On this journey, you’ll get tired, feel doubtful, be humbled by your own shortcomings, feel frantic, lose time for everything else, win, lose, and experience everything in between—but even when it feels like the world is falling apart, keep showing up. One day, you’ll realize you’ve become exactly who you were meant to be.
Ma. Cristina Miranda
Do not let your doubts rule over you. Instead, focus on what truly matters, and that is your goal of becoming a lawyer. Once you set your heart on this path, let your determination fuel you—no matter the odds—and trust that your persistence and hard work will lead you to where you’re meant to be.
Anthony John Rodriguez
Embrace the privilege of studying law – pursue it with unwavering conviction and a deep sense of purpose despite its challenges. Let the outcomes unfold as they may, but maintain absolute command over your actions, reactions, emotions, and mind. True and lasting victory lies not merely in academic and professional success, but in becoming a force for good and justice in the world.
Joshua Ponpon
Luck comes to those who are prepared to seize the opportunity when it presents itself. Studying does not guarantee that you will be able to answer all questions thrown at you, but not studying guarantees that you will not be able to answer any question at all. The key to winning is in being willing to put in the work without expecting a guaranteed win every time.
Bianca Margarita Pujalte
Embrace the principle that everything worthwhile in life is earned, not simply given. Such ideals emphasize that level of respect, recognition, and opportunities that must be actively sought through consistent effort and unwavering resolve, rather than depending on luck and blind fate. Your law school journey serves as a testament to your character as a future lawyer and in moulding it, there are no shortcuts.
Carl Puray
That if you give your best at everything so whatever the result is, you can live without any regrets knowing that you laid it all on the table. Law school has taught me that results aren’t solely measured by results, but instead, by the process one took to achieve the same. Whether it’s preparing thoroughly for an exam or committing yourself to a single recitation, the discipline and drive you invest will never be wasted. Even in moments of failure, that effort stays with you. It gives your journey meaning and your struggles purpose because in giving your best, you honor not just the law, but yourself.
In the same way Sisyphus’ boulder never reached the top of the hill, he grew stronger with every push – his arms steadier, his resolve deeper. In the same way, the daily grind of law school shapes us – it hones us like a fine blade, and readies us for our journeys for greater triumph.
Indeed, the rigors of the study of law may seem like an insurmountable boulder. You may lose a hundred times along the way. But, victory will set its eyes on you as you keep on showing up.