By Rey David A. Gayas
thebarrister’s Manifesto
#proudthebarristeralumni
Proud of our alumni, the #PubSquad wants to share to you their notable stories. They were once put into the crucible called law school. They were tried and tested, truly passed the hurdles, and now making their marks not only on the Bedan Red Wall, but also in the legal profession.
1.What made you decide to join thebarrister? When did you join the publication?
I joined thebarrister out of my sheer love for writing. It has seemingly become mechanical for me to join the student publication of my school since my early days as an elementary student. I opted to continue the same in law school because the same is simply my avenue not only to express myself but to hone my skills as a writer as well. Eventually, I was able to learn a lot of things during my stint as a member of the publication and met new friends and colleagues I still cherish up to this day.
2. How was your first year in thebarrister?
To say it was fun and fulfilling would be an understatement. During my first year, I learned styles and techniques I could not even imagine practicing now. I was exposed to a wide array of editors and seniors who taught me proper ways to express myself through writing. More than that, I was able to enjoy the company of newfound friends whose creative juices were at par with the best there is. By exchanging ideas and manners on how to deliver art in writing, we were able to create various releases that encapsulated tragedies and comedies of the modern landscape.
3.What is your memorable or notable experience with thebarrister during your law school?
Interviewing legal luminaries who are experts in their respective fields stand out to be my most memorable experience with the publication. Even for just an hour or two of intellectual exchange, I learned a lot from the interviewees I had the chance of talking to. Their wisdom seems endless and advanced. Whether they be politicians, authors, private practitioners, or esteemed government officials, they possess that certain gravitas that leaves you in awe after every meeting.
4.What were the lessons that you gained during your stay with the organization?
Deadlines and banters come and go, but the friendship remains forever. From time to time, me and my colleagues from the publication still meet to talk about random things about our life. More often than not, we still talk about our fondest memories during our stay as campus journalists. From inside jokes to a serious discourse about a relevant topic, we continue to share our point of view every time we have a chance. Law school friendships apparently last long.
5. Did joining recognized organizations hinder your studies? Were there any repercussions or adjustments that you needed to do?
No. It’s always a matter of time management and having some time for the things you love. Balance and inner-peace are must-haves in law school. And everything in life (law school included) is a matter of choice. Our lives are the sum of our choices. We are the arbiters of our own destiny. And there are no regrets joining the publication as well.
6.Any message for the freshmen who are beginning their law school journey?
Your preparation for the Bar begins on your first day in law school. Embrace the grind and prepare for glory. But for those days that you have for yourself—enjoy. In law school, you will meet friends and colleagues you never knew you’d be close with. Find your inner-peace by reflecting on your purpose. The sheer desire to become a lawyer just “because” will be outweighed by something bigger—family, service, country. Most importantly, do not let law studies become your personality. It’s a degree—the same does not define or will eventually define the entirety of you. You have a life to live and live it well. Time is a luxury you cannot afford in law school so make the most out of it.
7. What are the lessons you want to impart with us as an alumnus of the publication?
As members of the fourth estate, it is our responsibility to be beacons of truth. Never surrender your conscience for personal gain. We are members of the publication who are bestowed with the responsibility to be a bridge of information. A narrative is worthless if not presented properly. A story misconstrued as something else is deceiving. An event not covered and published is a mere whisper in a storm of trumpets and trombones. Believe in the power that you hold to change things for the better but never abuse it. Do good and be good.
Atty. Archiebald F. Capila works at the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU). He is also the Content Director of Barrista Solutions. During his time in San Beda University College of Law, he served as the Associate Editor of thebarrister and a member of the San Beda Law Human Rights Advocates.
THE BARRISTER 