One day you will probably call me Wakili

On my medium bio I have indicated that I might be a lawyer. I have written ‘might’ because nothing in this world is a certainty. I am currently in my third year of law school. I have about one and a half years to graduate. I am quite ambivalent to this upcoming stage in my life.

I joined law school because I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. I am sure some of you might think it’s because I read To Kill a Mocking Bird by Harper Lee and got inspired. Some might think it’s because of series like Suits, Boston Legal, The Good Wife and The Practice that influenced my decision. However, I am here to tell you that going to law school was not part of my life plan while I was still in High School.

For most of my life, I had dreamed that I would become a doctor one day. I was reasonably good in the Sciences. I was well acquainted with the medical lifestyle that would befall me if I chose that path. I was ready to sacrifice my youth for the noble profession. However, by the time I graduated from High school I changed my mind.

I changed my mind because after months of introspection, I saw that being a doctor was not something that I would love doing for the rest of my life. I know what it means to be a doctor through my amazing dad. I have lived a doctor’s life vicariously through him. I learnt early enough that such a life was not for me. The only reason I pursued that career path was because it would make my parents happy. I am glad I did not make that choice.

I chose law school because it would give me some time to grow. I was not so sure about my career path when I was eighteen. All I knew was that going to university was something that I ought to do. The time spent in undergrad would give me space to understand myself and craft a plan for my future.

So far my experience in law school has been good. Despite the emotional breakdowns every so often, I can confidently say I am doing well. I have a flare for the dramatics. Once in a while you will find me sitting alone in the cafeteria in deep contemplation with a somber look. No need to worry my friends, I am probably stressed out about an upcoming deadline or about a boy who left me. I am joking about the latter. (…or am I?)

I would like to believe that I have matured emotionally over these past two years. I have learnt to be more assertive. My mother used to worry that I am too timid thus other kids would overpower me and step on me. I have proved her wrong. Most of the time I am at the forefront when it comes to standing up for myself and what I believe in.

I have learnt to cry more and smile even more. Before I joined law school I was averse to crying. I strongly believed that crying was for the weak. “Momma didn’t raise no punk,” was my main slogan when it came to crying. I have learnt that crying is very therapeutic. It allows one to just let go. On smiling, I smile even more. I have learnt to appreciate my life and those that I share my life with. A smile is a powerful tool. One warm smile can change everything!

My law school journey is not complete. I might even say it is just beginning. It’s just a few months ago that I fell in love with what I am doing. It was not an instant change but a gradual process. Appreciating what I do is a result of a lot of prayer, a lot of reading and guidance from those who are older than me in the profession.

Related posts:

Throughout high school, friends would “make appointments” to have their hair done in my grandmother’s basement, which at the time had a fully functioning hair salon for my aunt (it sort of runs in…

We are programmed to get caught in a steady flow of “success.” We are baited to believe that a bonus, or an “employee of month” plaque, or achieving targets are the things which make us great. These…

Ang Pilipinas ay binubuo ng 7,641 pulo at nahahati sa tatlong lalawigan: Luzon, Visayas at Mindanao. Ang lalawigan ng Luzon ang pinakamalawak na pulo ng Pilipinas. Ang Visayas o mas kilala sa tawag…