By Tom Louis Herrera
Atty. Dawna Fya Bandiola shared in an exclusive interview with The Red Chronicles her experience in preparing the barristers set to take the Bar Examinations on February 4 and 6, 2022. She started to mentor back in 2020 when the SBCA Centralized Bar Operations (SBCA-CBO) reached out to her. Hesitant at first, being a new lawyer at that time, she later accepted the offer after realizing that it would help a lot of barristers in preparing for the Bar. She also wanted to share her thoughts, techniques, and experiences to them.
During her stint in law school, Atty. Bandiola served as the 2017 SBCA-CBO Chairperson. She placed 4th in the 2019 Bar Examinations. Aside from practicing law, she is also currently a law professor in her alma mater SBCA- SOL.
Despite her busy schedule, Atty. Bandiola said that she tries to maximize every opportunity she has to finish all her pending tasks, whether it be for her law practice, her teaching load in SBCA, or her bar mentoring. “I try my best to keep track of everything to see if I need to catch up on something. Hinga ng malalim and laban lang,” 2019 Bar Exam topnotcher said.
When asked how she prepares her mentees for the Bar Examinations, she shared, “I met with them [virtually] a few times to ask them how they are doing. I openly tell them to ask me whatever they want to ask regarding the Bar Exams. Some of my mentees email me their questions, while some asked me directly via our virtual meeting.”
“I always encourage them to focus on their goal and to do their best. Just study and prepare to the best they can para walang ‘what ifs’ sa huli. The Lord will help and provide. I also gave them mock bar and made remarks sa answering styles nila,” says Atty. Bandiola.
According to Atty. Bandiola, besides legal knowledge, she wanted to impart to them the proper mindset in preparing until taking the Bar Exams. “Their attitude towards everything is very important. They need to learn how to study smarter while taking extra care of themselves considering the current pandemic situation,” Atty. Bandiola added.
“To our beloved barristers, this is it. The time has come, where all your efforts will be tested and utilized. I know many were adjusting on the revised schedule and scope of the Bar Exams, but do not be disheartened or nervous. Stay focused and determined. Everything in life happens for a reason. Believe that you can answer all the questions in the exams and pass the same.
I know many were adjusting on the revised schedule and scope of the Bar Exams, but do not be disheartened or nervous. Stay focused and determined. Everything in life happens for a reason. Believe that you can answer all the questions in the exams and pass the same.
Take extra care of yourselves. Value your overall well-being. I pray to see your names in the List of Bar passers soon. Good luck everyone,” she wishes to all the barristers in the upcoming Bar Examinations.
Atty. Dawna, fondly called “Atty. D” by students, wanted to be remembered by her mentees as a believer who can do everything as she gives her 100% effort at all times. Indeed, the “D” in Atty. D stands for dauntless because of her strong will and determination. ∎