Sunday, January 29, 2012
Sometimes being brave really is inconsistent with being careful.
In law school these past years, I always tried to veer away from taking on roles which require responsibility beyond the classroom.
There are those who frown upon this type of strategy in the law school reasoning that the extra curricular also needs attention or that the professors when they inevitably deliberate on the student's performance, will consider the added baggage the student took on during the semester.
However, there are those like me who believe that the law school is a place to study and the application of the law can be done within the classroom as well. This is to all those who say that the knowledge needs to be applied. I am currently taking up legal aid and handling a case and also in another class, devising a lesson plan to teach children's rights to high school students. I think, at least on a personal level, I know what I'm talking about. As said, I think knowledge and application are found within the law school.
However, it is not accurate to say that I only study in the law school. Three years in the human rights center and 3 semesters in the Ateneo Bar operations (also add some sidelines here and there) comprise my extra curriculars. They aren't at par with the activities of the really busy people but they aren't negligible. I'd like to think I choose my activities according to the academic load I've got. One could even say it's being a reasonable and responsible student at the same time.
Next, I try to veer away from issues. Org politics, the daily mill of gossip, affiliations aren't really my thing. It comes with my personality as well. Never one to be the center of attention, I never really cared nor do I prefer to. I'd rather read and panic for class. Other things are extraneous.
So I presented two things:
I choose my responsibilities so I can study.
I do not meddle with issues so I can study.
Such a typical nerd.
Recently however, I've been getting many cajoling to run for the council of interns in the human rights center. To run would diametrically oppose my set academic strategy. As for the issues, they always follow the people in position. I'm rather attached to what I have going for me.
What's completely apparent in this post is that I am a self absorbed student. I think law students should be to some extent self absorbed if they want to pass. It doesn't mean that I don't care. It means I don't want to bite more than what I can chew.
The problem is (and here, only Ger would believe me) is that I think I've made for myself an image of a competent person. Don't get me wrong. I think I'm doing fine or at least I'm managing (even though I really need a thesis topic right now but that is for another post).
Here is my equation:
Study + some HR + some bar ops + some filed work classes = managing Ju
And this equation is what people see. I agree that it is the game plan of a student trying to get by. This equation works because it is reasonable and feasible.
Ergo, if I should disturb he balance and it becomes:
Study + a lot of HR + things related to HR but are not completely HR + some bar ops + some filed work classes = not so much managing Ju
I always tell the poeple who asked me if I'm going to run that I only have a semblance of being "matino." I really appreciate the trust you people repose in me. I don't think I can get through people even if I say it over and over again that I think there more competent people. In this post I will clarify my thought on this: Perhaps I am competent, but for lack of a backbone which can carry on the additional load, I think I'll be a support system to the incoming council. There are others more willing to risk their study time, braver than I.
Ergo my press release (it also pains me to say this): only an absolute need will compell me to run. There are only 5 positions and if those positions aren't filled on the last day of candidacy, I will RELUCTANTLY hand over my candidacy form.
Julianne blogged at 12:11 PM
