Choosing a profession might be confusing. You need to consider a lot of factors. Practicality is one of the top things some of us prioritizes. Not a big deal for others, but for an unfortunate like me, it is. In my case, I know what I want to pursue even before entering middle school. I know in my heart that it is my calling, although some things hinder me. But I insist, it is and will always be my dream.
Since I was a kid, I always dream of being in a court room— standing with the oppressed. My father and I used to have a small arguments (which most of it end up me being the winner), and he would always tell me "You really are a lawyer!" There were a time when one of my English teacher in middle school asked me what encourages me to take up law. I paused and thought for a while, then a question popped in my mind.
"Do I really want to be a lawyer? Or I just dictated myself to become one?"
Flash backs started. I remember when I asked the universe to reveal some signs. Pursuing things that I both enjoy and I find practical will always be my biggest dream. Going back to the moment of my teacher and I having a mini-interview, I've answered her wholeheartedly with words I did not expect I could tell.
"Growing up in a poor family is my biggest motivation. I became aware of many issues in our society at a very young age. At first, I did not want to have a single care about it. But as I age, I have realized that we are also part of the oppression. The people who were once victimized by the injustice. I know it seems to be hard, but I want to change the world. And I am starting that change with a single step— that is to dream for myself, and for the world's future."
Years had passed, I thought my dream profession will be stable. But to be honest, I went through rough roads that made it shaky. In my last 2 years in middle school, my faith was tested. My high hopes fade. Due to our financial situation, it is be hard for me to enter universities. My mother would always tell me to study hard so that I can apply for scholarships. Sometimes, I doubt the fact of finishing school. I rarely ask myself, what If there's no school to offer an opportunity? What if I fail a subject now and it will affect my future? I am scared of the things that may destroy my visions. Aside of that, I really want to make my parents proud. I want to give them a life that they deserve. After all of the hard works they have done for me and my siblings, it is my duty to give back. To make that possible, I should have a stable job that can sustain life. So I said to myself, I will do everything just to make my dreams come true in spite of the challenges that I am about to face. My fears might be big, but so do I.
Being a lawyer is not just being present in a court room, or holding a briefcase. It is a great yet challenging role. It will take at least eight years in college (including the prelaw course). To be extra inspired, I usually watch my favorite attorney vloggers. They share their memories in law school, and it amazes me how those hardships shaped them into the lawyers they are now. Especially when I am in my deepest hours, I lift up my mood by watching graduation rights of lawyers. The tears, the happy parents, and the moment they walk on wearing the black toga— they tell me that it will all be worth it. The cups of coffee I will take, the sleepless nights because of reviewing, the thousand hours of facing the codes, they will help me in striving. I might cry over a failing recitation score, or because of a terror professor, but I will firmly stand still.
There is no short cut to success. We need to go through hard times in order for us to appreciate the smooth roads. Tough situations often leads us to beautiful destinations. The Journey to our dreams is like riding a boat, we need to paddle and paddle to move forward. We might encounter waves, but it will not last. We should be stiff enough to be focused in our goal.
Eight years in college sound too long for others. But for an aspirant lawyer like me, we can stay regardless of the years it will take us to learn. The eight years will not be wasted as long as you use it for the things that make you happy— and having the Atty. before my name will make my heart happy. Acknowledging the people who believe in me, who give 100 percent support through out my journey— you all deserve the world.
Attorneys of tomorrow, never lose hope. Hang in there, and we will achieve the greatest dream of our lives. Mindful of our true reason, driven by passion. With our true intentions, we claim that all of this will come true. Law school will not only cater us with the basic knowledge we need, but also, it will shape the people we will become. May we be all instrument for truth, and morality in our nation. The promise we need to fulfill— stand against injustice. Continue fighting, believing in the beauty of your dreams. We'll get there soon, Attorney.
Always believe in the beauty of your dreams.
