With what is happening in the country, I often find myself on the brink of giving up. I am studying hard about the law and yet, some politicians are acting like clowns with the bills and projects that they prioritize. Some government officials disregard the basic human rights of the people. The number of lawyers being killed is also on the rise. Because of these, sometimes, I feel helpless and small. But when hope is seemingly out of reach, I want to look within. I want to find the hope within me. I want to be reminded of my purpose, on why I embarked in this journey in the first place.
More than the problems that I have witnessed, I had my own personal struggles, too. Being a law student was already challenging and the pandemic just made it worse. It’s double the stress and triple the anxiety. There were times during recitations and exams when my internet connection became unstable. So, instead of focusing on my academics, I found myself overthinking about possible internet problems.
There was also the constant anxiety of the possibility of being inflicted with the virus. I worried about my loved ones. We cannot afford to be sick. I always prayed to God, “Lord, please protect us. I still want to pay back my family. I want to be a lawyer and give them the kind of life that they deserve.”
To ease all the stress and anxiety, I put my trust in God. I find comfort in the thought that God has plans for me and my loved ones. There will be a lot of challenges and setbacks along the way, but soon, with God’s help, I will reach my dreams.
With all of the things that I experienced and have yet to experience, I believe that all of the sacrifices will be worth it. I chose these struggles. I chose this fight. This is the journey that I want and I am a few steps closer from reaching my dreams. I may not change the world, but I can change someone’s world with the legal knowledge that I have. No matter how small, I want my words and actions to contribute to the change that the country needs. God willing, I want to become a lawyer who fights despite all the challenges, who speaks up for other people, and who sees the light in the midst of darkness.