by John Alfred F. Rabena, Aira Julie F. Gianan, and Clarisse P. Marquez

When failure drags us to the pit, doubt and negativity consequently clouds our heads. Sometimes we do not feel good enough despite the sleepless nights, and caffeine overdrives.

But no matter how many times we lose ourselves in the cycle of breakdowns, at the end of the day, we choose to fight nonetheless. We lose, but what matters the most is our decision to fight for another chance to get that four-letter prefix in our names.

When we are on the verge of giving up, let us just go back to the beginning. Let us ask ourselves why we started this journey. Let us go back to our purpose. 

This is an Open Letter from Us to You, fellow law students. Cheers to the 50 reasons why we should keep going.

REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD NOT QUIT LAW SCHOOL

  1. BECAUSE I AM ALREADY HERE.

“The only way out is through!” I will not  take shortcuts that come back to haunt me later.

  1. BECAUSE SOMEBODY IS ROOTING AND PRAYING FOR ME.

While I am still a law student, I am not able to control the family members, friends, and colleagues who call me “Attorney”. I have to admit that sometimes it increases the pressure, however, it only implies that this fight is not only my fight but also that of the people who believe in my potential. Future Attorney, here we come!

  1. BECAUSE THIS IS NOT JUST FOR ME, BUT ALSO FOR THE PEOPLE I WILL HELP IN THE FUTURE.

I will never reach my true professional potential if I do not use my profession to “make things a little better for other people and to help those who are oppressed.”  I am committed to represent and help my future clients and with that, I can find the sense and accomplishment in my professional life.

  1. BECAUSE I HAVE INVESTED A LOT OF MONEY, TIME, AND EFFORT.

Going to law school full-time or part-time requires a four to six years worth of commitment, and the average cost for one semester is Php50,000 or more depending on the law school. This cost does not include rent, food, transportation, and other living expenses. Now, in the era of online classes, I have to invest in the gadgets that are essential such as a laptop, or cellphone. Aside from those, reading loads of books and cases, among others, for at least four hours a day, six days a week also impinges on my nights, weekends, and holidays. There is no time for me to concede! 

  1. BECAUSE I COME FROM A FAMILY OF LAWYERS AND POLITICIANS.

The expectations are high. My parents support me in my life-determining endeavors and I have no other choice but to pursue law school. It was like my purpose had already been predetermined.

  1. BECAUSE I HATE MY CURRENT JOB.

I have to admit that my current job is not the right profession for me, that is why I strive in law school because I believe this is my right path. 

  1. BECAUSE I HAVE ALWAYS WANTED TO BECOME A LAWYER.

I have had the urge to become a lawyer since I was a kid. I have trained to be purposeful, to speak with conviction, write with wit, and act with poise. I believe in myself and this will be my self-fulfilling prophecy. I will not set myself up to fail and will not underestimate my own potential.

  1. BECAUSE THIS IS THE PLATFORM I CHOOSE TO SUPPORT DIVERSITY OF ALL KINDS.

One of the things that emboldens me to press forward is that doing so enables me to guide, support, and help diversity of all kinds: for children, women, man, LGBTQUIA+ community, and all others. I work with diversity in mind, guarantee that the introverted and outcasted have a voice, and deliver understanding to others regarding moving the hierarchy and be heard.

  1. BECAUSE I WANT TO BECOME A WORLD LEADER.

I know that I was not born that way so I will make my path, cultivating my own global perspective, and being in law school can develop my credibility and emphasize my dedication to make a positive impact.

  1. BECAUSE I AIM FOR FINANCIAL STABILITY.

Though obtaining a law degree may not guarantee me immediate success or an exceedingly large amount of money, it’s close. Being a lawyer allows me to enjoy more job security, and a higher salary compared to those that are not. The competition might be high, but the rewards are well worth it.  

REASONS WHY “ME TIME” IS IMPORTANT

  1. BECAUSE IT IS THE PLACE FOR SELF-CONTROL AND A ROOM FOR RATIONAL DECISIONS.

When I am exhausted and I feel like I’m drained, “Me time” is just right, especially in law school. For two to three hours, I drop everything—my readings, syllabi, assignments, work deadlines, Netflix,  gym etc.—to do nothing. With that, I feel unburdened. I feel more energized and positive, and, at some point on the drive back, I become motivated to return to studying.

  1. BECAUSE NOTHING IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN TAKING CARE OF MY MENTAL HEALTH.

In law school, everything can be overwhelming, from getting “bokya” in recits, to loads of readings and assignments. However,  taking a break when I need to, remembering something I am grateful for and getting a good night’s sleep, or watching K-dramas, playing Clash of Titans or Mobile Legends with friends and blockmates, or reading a webtoon helped me boost my emotional health. It did not just impact how I feel, but also how I think and behave each day; it did not just allow me to adapt changes in my life and cope with adversity, but also gave me the power and strength to bounce back! 

  1.  BECAUSE IT ALLOWS ME TO REFILL MY ‘BUCKET’.

I put away my phone; I start focusing, clearing my mind; I sit or lie down. Sometimes, I close my eyes. Doing that, I can completely remove anything I am worried about or thinking from my mind—law school stuff, family, future, relationships, friends, works—I let go of the things that bother me and then when I regain my strength,  I look healthier. I feel stronger, I become happier and more confident to face new challenges.

  1. BECAUSE IT IS ABOUT BEING PRESENT WITH MYSELF.

Basically, as long as I am alone with my thoughts and undertaking mindfulness during any activity, I am successfully spending some quality “me time.” 

  1.  BECAUSE IT PROMOTES PRODUCTIVITY AND EFFECTIVENESS.

For me, the supplement of daily ‘me time’ pushes me further, both efficiently, and individually. 

  1. BECAUSE IT DEFINES WHO I AM AS A PERSON.

No matter how I spend my time, I believe that the vital thing is that I choose the things that make me happy, rather than just letting time drift away because every second, minute, or hour of time is valuable and is too precious to waste. 

  1. BECAUSE I DO ME, YEAH, ME!

Whatever I end up doing, I spend my time by myself, doing something that unwinds me. The cool thing is I can earnestly do anything! Not everyone relaxes the same way, so I find my own thing! 

  1. BECAUSE SLEEP IS A LAW SCHOOL HACK. 

Contrary to the popular opinion that sleep may cost law students a fortune, an exhausted mind may be disruptive of your performance especially during recitation. A well-rested mind does the trick and may help you absorb concepts faster than when you are sleep-deprived. 

  1. BECAUSE IT IS NEEDED IN ORDER TO OPTIMIZE MY STUDY BREAKS.

“Who said you can’t watch your favorite flicks in-between breaks? Get off that couch and pull out your Netflix!” – Me to myself after reaching my target readings. 

  1. BECAUSE I DESERVE IT

Imagine spending winding hours in kilometric readings. Surely, snippets of rewards will not be too much. After all, self-love must never be ignored.

REASONS WHY ‘BOKYA’ IN RECIT DOESN’T DEFINE YOU

  1. BECAUSE RECITATION IN LAW SCHOOL IS INHERENTLY A DAUNTING CHALLENGE.

Recitation in law school is not an easy feat. Even in times when I think I am well-prepared, I sometimes get surprised at how my professor could still strike me dead. 

  1. BECAUSE THE PROFESSORS ARE THERE NOT TO CRUCIFY ME BUT TO HAMMER THE LEGAL CONCEPTS INTO MY BRAIN FOR FUTURE USE.

“In this case, Mayor Lukban banished the women of ill-repute from the City.” To my surprise, my professor raised his voice, “What ‘banished’? Nasa hogwarts ka ba?” In an attempt to redeem myself, I answered, “I mean, illegally transported, Atty!” I was hoping for him to listen but I saw him unravel his disappointment at me instead. But at least, I know I will forever remember this Supreme Court case..

  1. BECAUSE THE PROCESS STRENGTHENS MY RESILIENCE.

After the exams, that same professor who screamed at me told the class he was impressed by the way I answered the essay part of the test. Aside from a perfect score, he gave me extra credit. This is another lesson I have learned, a kind of redemption arc. I would love to experience this same feeling again even if I have to go through humiliation first. 

  1. BECAUSE LAW SCHOOL IS A ROLLER COASTER RIDE THAT IS MEANT TO TEACH ME A LESSON.

On account of another class, my professor uttered, “Failure is a part of the learning process”, with the discussion not even starting yet. Little did I know, the mention of failure was not there for nothing! Sometimes, they just put you off the strides, and yes, you have to learn how to pull yourself every time .

  1. BECAUSE BEING BOKYA IS NOT THE END.

Bokya is not new in law school. Neither is it a measure of a student’s aptitude in law. Remember that the study of law is a never-ending process and we are only getting started. I only lose chances the moment I stop fighting. It might sound clichè but it’s always effective, so “laban lang!”

  1. BECAUSE EVERY BOKYA IS A MOTIVATION TO BE BETTER.

Failure is part of the learning process and this should not destroy my purpose. May this be a reminder that the lives of my future clients will depend on me. It is not just about me, this is a fight for the people I am going to represent in the future. 

  1. BECAUSE IT IS JUST THE TIP OF THE ICEBERG.

Sometimes, there are questions left unanswered and I learn how to figure out the answers on my own. I realize that what I have read is only the surface of a deep excavation. That, if the study of law is an ocean, I still haven’t left the dock.

  1. BECAUSE THERE IS NO UNIVERSAL FORMULA.

What works for them may not work for me. I may have read thousands of pages ahead, but their recitation is more stellar than mine. I just need to find my learning style and recalibrate my learning strategy. I just need to observe what works best for me and stick to it.

  1. BECAUSE THAT BOKYA ALSO PAYS OFF.

One student from our batch did not do well in recitation according to our professor. Come exams, nobody passed, except her. Bokya is never a permanent status.

  1. BECAUSE THE ONLY PERSON WHO CAN DEFINE ME IS MYSELF.

There’s a reason why law school is known to be the “survival of the fittest.”  It is not about the setbacks, it is what we make of it. May we use it as stepping stones in order to finish strong.

REASONS WHY BEING A WORKING STUDENT IN LAW SCHOOL CAN BE AN ADVANTAGE 

  1. BECAUSE OF THE APPRECIATION THAT EVERY IOTA OF A SECOND IS GOLD.

A working student like me cannot afford to waste so much time on trivial stuff. Juggling work and studies is a tough row to hoe. If circumstances at my workplace are on my side, I seize the chance to read and prepare for my recitation.

  1. BECAUSE IT IS QUALITY OVER QUANTITY.

Although a working student does not have the luxury of time to study to the minutest detail, the quality of study is not necessarily jeopardized. In fact, my mindset conditions me to spend every single minute doing something productive.

  1. BECAUSE MY PRIORITIES ARE CRYSTAL CLEAR.

Saying “no” to people’s invitations or other superfluous things is no longer a wild goose chase. I have etched my goals and dreams in stone, and I will harness everything within my capacity to make them happen.

  1. BECAUSE DOPAMINE KEEPS ME ABLAZE.

That “feel-good” hormone epitomizes the wonderful sense of fulfillment after achieving something with my blood, sweat, and tears. Possessing the work ethic that propels productivity, I can sustain my momentum to accomplish the work. As I achieve small victories, I tend to gain that affirmative feeling that I deserve a reward after the grueling toil.

  1. BECAUSE EXPERIENCE IS AN ESSENTIAL INGREDIENT OF SUCCESS.

The effects of my hard work may not be apparent now. Nevertheless, my labors will eventually bear fruit. With consistency and persistence, I believe that I will eventually reap the returns of my investments. Experience in work will ultimately serve as my edge.

  1. BECAUSE I AM PREPARED FOR CONTINGENCIES.

The pandemic we’re facing has posed uncertainties and challenges in many areas of life such as finances. I believe that working or finding sources of income isn’t just the practical thing to do, but it also manifests selflessness, vision, and maturity.

  1. BECAUSE I CAN BUILD WIDE CONNECTIONS AND NETWORKS.

Most of my superiors are in the legal profession. Knowing key people from the community may help build my career in the near future.

  1. BECAUSE IT IS FOR BETTER APPRECIATION OF THE LEGAL CONCEPTS.

In the absence of an actual practice, our knowledge of the law may be confined within the pages of what we have read. The real world reveals a different breed of complexities. Being out there in the field better equips you with empirical knowledge that none of the authors would ever mention. 

  1. BECAUSE I CAN PURSUE OTHER INTERESTS.

I have a penchant for creative writing and film-making. Apart from my law school and office obligations, I also indulge myself in video editing and script writing. Not because I like to tire myself out but because this is just what life means to me.

  1. BECAUSE MY LAWYER-COLLEAGUES INSPIRE ME.

The first time I set foot in our office, I met my superior who became a lawyer that I admire. He recited provisions of the Labor Code by memory. As a non-law student at that time, of course, I was impressed.

REASONS WHY HAVING A “SUPPORT GROUP” IN LAW SCHOOL IS BENEFICIAL

  1. BECAUSE NO STUDENT BEGINS AS A KNOW-IT-ALL.

“The only true wisdom is knowing you know nothing,” Socrates opined. With the thousands of pages that a law student is required to read, I always come to a point when I don’t understand something, even after I meticulously went through every word of the book. Sometimes, only a discourse with a friend is capable of leading me out of the cave of confusion.

  1. BECAUSE LIFE IS SHORT, BUT SCIENCE IS LONG.

Compressing the great corpus of law and jurisprudence within a span of only four years of study is startling from the bird’s eye view. A bunch of people, however, have conquered it. Thanks to strategy and symbiotic relationship with peers and blockmates. My interactions with co-learners helps me correct my preconceived knowledge and bolsters what I already know. I find the sharing of notes and case digests enriching.

  1. BECAUSE RECREATION BECOMES MUCH MORE FUN WITH KINDRED SPIRITS. 

Student life isn’t all about academics 24/7. I believe that rest is not just a reward but a necessity. Nonetheless, as a law student, I ordinarily spend a miniscule percentage of my time on recreation. What can be more meaningful than to spend it with persons who lift my spirit up? My friends and I often laugh and cringe about the bloopers in our recitations, and sometimes, eat fishball and kikiam by the beach at sunset.

  1. BECAUSE A HANDFUL OF TRUSTED PERSONS IS ENOUGH TO KEEP ME GOING.  

When I entered law school, I knew that I had to be in survival mode. True enough, the road is riddled with frustration and at times, exhaustion. This is why I surround myself with people who give me optimism and remind me of my purpose when I first stepped into law school.   

  1. BECAUSE A SUPPORT GROUP AWAKENS ME FROM SLUMBER.

There are times when I procrastinate especially after waking up in the morning. I sometimes succumb to complacency because the deadlines are still far ahead. Nonetheless, when I see the progress of my peers, the adrenaline escalates, and I’m pumped up to go beyond my comfort zone. Environment is indeed an influential factor in the pursuit of excellence.

  1. BECAUSE A SUPPORT GROUP IS AN ACCOUNTABILITY CHECKER.

Some relationships are transitory. Some people won’t even understand how peculiar the life of a law student is. A support group, however, respects the time allotted for study and creates a situation where we can’t even check our Messenger accounts. For me, this “constant” is my family who I can constantly improve with.

  1. BECAUSE LAW PRACTICE IS PEOPLE-ORIENTED.

My first impression of the legal profession is that it entails lots of encounters with people from different walks of life. Future workplaces require skills to work in and with a team. I believe that the so-called “people acumen” is not simply a bread-coming-down-from-heaven thing, rather it is developed over time and through healthy relationships with people nearest to me.

  1. BECAUSE VICTORIES ARE SWEETER WHEN CELEBRATED WITH MY SUPPORT GROUP.

Many of those who passed the Bar dedicated their perseverance to the people whom they can aptly call the “wind beneath their wings.” When I offer my success to the people who support me through thick and thin, I elevate my labors to something more transcendent than myself. 

  1. BECAUSE SOCIAL CIRCLES GO BEYOND LAW SCHOOL. 

I have friends who are now successful lawyers, and they still maintain a connection with their old blockmates. After they had passed the Bar, they separated ways and chose varied career paths in different parts of the country and the world. I was, however, fascinated by the fact that they still exchanged ideas and stories though they were separated by distance.

  1. BECAUSE FRIENDSHIP IS A REWARD IN ITSELF. 

Friendship is a source of great pleasures. As I find myself interacting in a support group, I learn the values I hold dear which I may find in common or in conflict with peers. What matters in the end is that I am conscious of the existence of others , and it is not just I who lives in the universe.

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