By Rey David A. Gayas
thebarrister’s Manifesto
#proudthebarristeralumni
#Pubsquad presents again one of their own. Truly, law school may be challenging. But, some things were meant to ease the burden, and counter the scourge of study marathons into fun-filled tasks in thebarrister.
1. What made you decide to join thebarrister? When did you join the publication?
I joined theBarrister because I was curious how law students can transform their creative talents into works of art. I also believed that having a creative outlet helped me cope with the stress of law school, so I decided to give it a try and enhance my skills at the same time.
In 2017, theBarrister was actively seeking a layout artist. It was during this time that I became one of the three layout artists selected to contribute to the team’s endeavors.
2. How was your first year in thebarrister?
My first year at thebarrister was both exciting and challenging. It was my first time working on a student publication, and I had to learn a lot.
Before joining, I was used to working alone on designs. But at thebarrister, I had to collaborate with a team of writers and illustrators. This taught me how to work together and combine our different ideas.
I also had to learn new design software, like Adobe InDesign. It was different from what I was used to, but I quickly picked it up. Instead of just making posters and designs, I was now creating magazine pages and layouts for our school planner.
3. What is your memorable or notable experience with thebarrister during your law school?
One standout memory from my time with thebarrister during law school was when I had the honor of serving as the Creative Director for a brief period in my fourth year. Being part of the Editorial Board was an exciting opportunity, and one of the highlights was contributing to the ideas for our upcoming magazine issue.
During Kuya Aaron’s term as EIC, our editorial board gathered to brainstorm and discuss potential titles for the magazine. It was during these discussions that I suggested the title “Breaking the Stereotype.” To my delight, this idea resonated with the team and ended up being the winning choice.
Being able to influence the direction of the magazine through my idea was truly fulfilling. This experience highlighted the value of contributing unique perspectives and thinking outside the box to come up with innovative concepts that can shape the publication’s identity. In retrospect, this memorable experience not only added depth to my involvement with thebarrister but also demonstrated the impact of creative thinking and teamwork in the realm of student publications.
4. What were the lessons that you gained during your stay with the organization?
One important lesson I learned was that working on a publication takes a lot of time and patience. Designing for print is intricate, and every detail matters. I even had to stay overnight at the printing press to meet deadlines. This showed me how dedicated I was to making our work look great.
As a layout artist, my job was to make sure everything looked good on the page. I had to adjust the text and images to make them look nice together. Our team’s work went through a final review by the editors, so I understood the responsibility of making our designs the best they could be.
Looking back, joining thebarrister taught me not only about design but also about teamwork, adapting to new challenges, and the dedication it takes to create something we’re proud to share.
5. Did joining recognized organizations hinder your studies? Were there any repercussions or adjustments that you needed to do?
No, quite the opposite. Joining recognized organizations during my time in law school actually served as a source of motivation, propelling me to excel academically while enjoying a well-rounded journey alongside friends who shared similar advocacies.
Interestingly, being a part of these organizations added a dynamic layer to my law school experience that I wouldn’t have had otherwise. It allowed me to strike a balance between focused academic pursuits and engaging extracurricular activities, which ultimately enhanced my overall learning journey.
Although there were adjustments required, especially in managing my time effectively, the transition was smoother than expected. Juggling multiple responsibilities in a day, which included organizational tasks and law school assignments, wasn’t a daunting challenge. My previous experiences in a similar environment during college had prepared me for this kind of multitasking.
The primary challenge lay in coordinating with fellow organization members for meetings and events. Our varied schedules and subjects posed hurdles, necessitating effective collaboration and the skill to harmonize vacant slots. However, this aspect also taught me valuable lessons in teamwork and adaptability, which are qualities vital in both law school and professional life.
Reflecting back, embracing organizational commitments during law school not only enriched my academic journey but also highlighted the importance of holistic development and collaborative skills that extend beyond the classroom setting.
6. Any message for the freshmen who are beginning their law school journey?
To all the freshmen embarking on their law school journey,
Welcome to a challenging yet immensely rewarding phase of your education. As you step into this new chapter, I encourage you to embrace the journey and find joy in every step along the way.
Remember, you’ve chosen to take on the challenge of law school because you believe in your potential to succeed. This path will undoubtedly test your limits, and there will be moments when keeping up with reading assignments might seem like an uphill battle. Time will feel scarce, and doubts may creep in about your ability to manage everything.
Here’s a secret: these feelings are entirely normal. Many before you have experienced the same doubts and worries. What sets the achievers apart is their unwavering determination to explore new avenues and learn from each experience.
As a freshman, you might find yourself considering joining organizations for the experience they offer. It’s natural to question whether you can juggle it all – studies, commitments, and maybe even a job. But remember, time is a limited resource for everyone. What truly matters is your willingness to step out of your comfort zone, try new things, and learn from each endeavor.
If you possess a talent or passion that you can contribute to these organizations, or if you believe that coupling your studies with community involvement and creative pursuits will enrich your experience, then don’t hesitate to take that leap. Engaging in activities beyond your studies can inject excitement into your law school journey, making the learning process more vibrant and enjoyable.
So, to all the freshmen out there, as you begin this transformative journey, my advice is simple: savor the process, stay courageous, and find joy in the blend of challenges and triumphs that law school will bring. You have the power to shape your experience, make the most of it, and remember that each step you take is a step towards growth and fulfillment.
7. What are the lessons you want to impart with us as an alumnus of the publication?
If there’s one thing that I learned during my time in thebarrister that can be applied in the legal profession: it’s that law and arts, when merged, creates an advocacy – rendering legal concepts more accessible to the average person.
By using artistic elements, legal concepts can be transformed into relatable scenarios. When people see a visual representation or follow a story, they are more likely to grasp the essence of a legal concept compared to reading pages of technical text.
In the context of thebarrister’s role in student journalism, this creative approach makes legal information appealing and engaging to a broader audience, transcending the confines of legal professionals, and reaching everyday individuals who may not have a legal background.
By connecting art with legal concepts, thebarrister not only educates but also empowers readers. It turns potentially daunting topics into accessible insights, enabling people to make informed decisions and participate more effectively in legal discussions that impact their lives.
THE BARRISTER 