MS. CLAIRE B. ROJAS

Juris Doctor Non-Thesis – First Year

“Being in UC Law has challenged me in ways I haven’t been before. I have learned to push myself harder to achieve greater things, even greater than the dreams I set myself out to accomplish. Ultimately, in the short time that I have been here, I have learned to love the study of law despite the many hardships that came with it.

Moreover, what sets UC apart from all other law schools in the region is that its teachings are not detached from society’s problems. Students are not only taught about the law but are also taught about human compassion. Thus, this institution will really bring out the best in its students both intellectually and morally.“

MR. IAN CHRISTIAN COSIDO

Juris Doctor Thesis – First Year

“The UC School of Law keeps on reminding me on the valuable lessons that I often overlooked for the past few years. In UC Law School, I learned to spend my time wisely, especially that I am a working student. I also learned that competence, diligence, humility, and perseverance are essential virtues that one must possess to be able to survive in every class. I also learned preparation is highly important before entering the class.

As a working student, I can really feel that the school empathizes with my situation without compromising the quality of education. Programs such as freshmen orientation and town hall meetings helped me to be aware of the things that I should know, and to express my concerns if any. It also provides incentives for achievers which I see it as something that is good so that students will strive to do their best.

I am really happy to be enrolled in the UC School of Law and I am looking forward to learn more for the years to come in the same institution.“

MS. GOLDA LIM

Juris Doctor Non-Thesis – First Year

“Law school is hard work.

My law school journey was unexpected. My original life plan was to finish off college as soon as I could and start working. In a turn of events, I topped my Real Estate Brokerage Exam and got offered a scholarship to take up law in UC-Banilad by Atty Augusto Go. I was scared but I accepted the offer mainly because I thought the free education would be a waste if I didn’t.

The weeks leading up to my first semester were nerve-wracking. I knew enough about law school to know that the amount of studying required is out of this world. And frankly speaking, I was never the most studious person. I was worried I wouldn’t be able to adjust and end up failing my classes. Every time I thought of backing out and going for a job in Real Estate, I reminded myself that even if I fail, i’ll be coming out a new person with more knowledge and experience. I really can’t express how doubtful I was that I would survive even a semester.

Although I never considered myself to be an overachiever, I was used to seeing results if I put in the work for something. But law school is different. What used to be near perfect grades for a couple hours of studying, turned into failing grades despite days on end of studying. I remember the first exam I failed was my Prelim Exam in Constitutional Law 1. I studied so hard and so efficiently (or so I thought) just to receive a mark of about 50%. It struck my pride a fair bit, I’ll admit. I was not used to working so hard just to get nothing in return. I felt very dejected.

But after that first sudden wave of feeling dejected and disappointed, it gets better. You learn the ropes of how to study better and you accept failure with a bit more grace. You grow as a person and learn the value of time and effort.

It takes a lot of grit and determination to remain in law school. It’s a challenge to maintain productivity and clarity in the mind. I have lost both those things many times. But I am happy to stay I am still here struggling and learning.

I would not be studying law today, if not for the scholarship offered by UC School of Law. That being said, I admire that UC provides quality legal education at affordable rates to make it available for the masses while still maintaining a good standard of student welfare. They genuinely care for their students and frequently look for new ways to provide support to them. I admire many teachers who are diligent in their work and passionate about passing down their knowledge and experience to their students.

UC law surpassed my expectations prior to entering law school. I am proud to say that I am a student of UC law. And I am thankful that I took on the challenge to be a part of this experience.

I hope others challenge themselves too.“

MR. JAIME G. PORTES JR.

Juris Doctor Non-Thesis – Second Year

“The 5L’s of law school

It was in 2015 when I ventured into the most trying and transformative period of my life – law school. I was still studying Accountancy when I thought of becoming a lawyer. I was inspired by my professors who were mostly CPA lawyers and law students. I had a narrow list of law school choice. But eventually, I chose University of Cebu because of the academic privilege it offered that I could not afford to refuse. Seriously, who can turn away from a grant composed of free tuition and free books? Not me certainly.

Entering law school, I thought I was equipped with enough arrows in my quiver to win the battle. But I was totally wrong. My first year experience was a rollercoaster. Although I finished strong academically, I had to endure terrifying and heart-pounding moments including grueling examinations, not being able to finish the reading assignments, and occasional mental blocks.

To be sure, law school is an entirely different arena. In the article “How to be a Lawyer” by Dean Fortunato Gupit, it was mentioned that the tools one must have to study law and pass the bar examinations are the so-called three L’s, namely Language, Logic, and Law. But I strongly think that another L should be added, that is, a LARGE amount of mental toughness.

Without the necessary mental power, you will certainly be defeated by the challenges of law school. Indeed, I was defeated. I had to take a break because I felt really stretched and exhausted. But the dream of becoming a lawyer never faded.

In 2019, I returned to UC with reinvigorated drive and the 4L’s. I was fortunate enough to be readmitted and be given the same privilege that I enjoyed when I was in first year. Sadly, even with a reinforced arsenal, I still experience moments of physical and mental exhaustion. But I am lucky to have friends who are more than willing to cheer me up and listen to my rants. If I had to suggest again, I would put another L, that is, loving and loyal friends. A support system plays a crucial role in the journey.

Undeniably, studying law requires a great degree of perseverance, patience and concentration. It demands a lot of reading and understanding. The pressure is indeed real! But this should not discourage law students to continue the battle as long as the 5L’s exist.

Apart from the legal provisions and principles, the most important thing I have learned so far is that one can have a great command of the English language, a superb critical thinking and a sharp memory; but without the essential mental fortitude and the appropriate support system, law school journey is far from becoming smoothsailing.”

MS. MARY THERESE T. MAURIN

Juris Doctor Thesis – Second Year

“My first semester in law school was definitely not a walk in the park. Professors would usually give 30 plus cases and assign numerous provisions which we have to memorize and understand and the dreadful oral recitations. In addition, part in reading cases is that I have  to dig deeper, analyze, fully comprehend the facts, and pay attention to details.

These everyday tasks of a law student greatly require a lot of patience, diligence, and many late nights reading. Nonetheless, along the journey, law school made me appreciate the law even more. Our professors trained us to develop the skills and the attitude necessary to measure up with the rigid standards imposed upon the legal profession. This includes thinking critically amidst pressure and to persevere at all times. For me, law school is intended to be challenging because lawyers are the forerunners in protecting and promoting human rights. To be a lawyer and be able to help my fellow countrymen has always been my dream. And I believe that the UC School of Law can make that dream possible. “

MR. ANGELITO M. ORTIZ

Juris Doctor Thesis – Third Year

            “The UC School of Law has given me more than just the lowdown on how to survive law school through the hornbook law of grit. The school emulates the qualities of good parents – attending to the needs of its students while instilling in us the value of perseverance and passion. The professors are zealous and always keep us on our toes. The school has also encouraged us to explore the realm beyond our academic lives. I have had the opportunity to represent the school in mooting competitions and activities in the Philippines, U.S. and France and I could not be any grateful despite the difficulties that come with participating in extracurricular activities. In my book, the skills I have acquired in the process are gems that a law student cannot normally obtain from classroom discussions. But most importantly, our professors have constantly reminded us that a law school’s undertaking is not limited to preserving the academic yardstick that future lawyers are expected to uphold. It has continuously reminded us of the importance, nay, necessity of living up to the moral principles that will evoke the confidence of the people towards the profession. This august institution, the training ground for the future of the legal profession, strives to stimulate the law students’ desire to have a deeper understanding of the rule of law and the ramifications of an ever-changing world to the many facets of the legal practice.”

MS. SANDRA JANE SOON- DIONALDO

Juris Doctor Non-Thesis – Third Year

“I started law school with an unclear vision of why I wanted to become a lawyer. I began with a cliché reason; that I wanted to achieve something that was bigger than myself. But that reason did not hold up after only the first week; I already wanted to quit. Clearly, no cliché endures against the shattering reality of terrifying recitations and the seemingly endless readings every single day that just drain the life out of you.

For a working law student like me to survive even just a semester, it seemed unthinkably difficult at first. Like any other battle, I knew that no lone wolf can survive law school without finding a strong support system. In the University of Cebu School of Law, the proportion of working students in the batch became an important statistic to me. I thrived because I always kind of had the feeling like I fit despite the everyday pressure of keeping up to be at par with the rigid standards of the school. While no special treatment is given and the standards equally apply to all, I get to be more strategic with my choices and study habits. Here, I met people who shared the same struggles I have not only from my peers but also from my professors. Tales told of our successful lawyer professors, who once were in my shoes, boosted my confidence that I can actually keep this dream.

Despite the already unforgiving load of readings and of understanding the intricacies of the law, the whole UC Law experience still strives to ingrain a holistic law education in us; that is to not just focus on passing and maybe topping the Bar, but to equip us for the real battle ahead in the legal practice. The competence, the creative approaches of our professors, and the wide array of opportunities that we are exposed to testify to that. While it is that competitive culture of UC Law that sometimes make it more daunting especially for working students, it is what, I think, bears a huge impact on our growth and successes as aspiring lawyers.  

I know that in this path, many a dreamer has tried but only few emerged victorious. I bet nobody goes through this journey unscathed. Most days, I still ask myself why I wanted to be a lawyer Somehow, I just had to make up something mundane, so I won’t bury my sanity beneath all the confusion. So, yes! Most days, it is just about that sheer curiosity of discovering if becoming a lawyer is really for me. Up to now, I’m still all about that curiosity but just even more determined to finish stronger than when I started.“

MS. JESELLE ANN VEGA

Juris Doctor Non-Thesis – Fourth Year

“Chasing my childhood dream, I moved from my small hometown of Ozamiz City to the Queen City of the South with nothing but faith and determination. I did not know what to expect since it was my first time living away from my family for an extended period of time. ‘Difficult’ is an understatement. But thankfully, I found a family in the University of Cebu School of Law.

Law school is not a competition of who gets to be on top of the class, but it is a test of survival. It requires the skill of time management, an understanding not only of the language but also the spirit of the law, the mental capacity to recall facts, issues, and rulings of several cases, and the mastery of the art of keeping yourself calm and collected during recitations. It has taken a toll on my physical, mental, and emotional being; some days worse than the others.

But my dream knows no limit. If others can do it, so can I. And I am fortunate enough not be alone in this ordeal. My professors shared their great knowledge of the law and also fostered an environment that promotes the right balance of self-confidence and humility. They inspire us not only to be great lawyers, but most importantly, to be ethical lawyers. The UC School of Law surely provides a curriculum that molds people to be globally competitive professionally and personally.

If given the chance to time-travel back to the day I had to enroll for my first year in law school, UC School of Law would still be my choice. It’s a decision I never doubted; a decision I know I will never regret“

MR. CALVIN KLEIN E. LIANZA

Juris Doctor Thesis – Fourth Year

            “Law school is probably the most stressful journey one could ever take. But, it is not just that. It is so much more. In the midst of sleepless nights reading legal provisions, digesting loads of Supreme Court decided cases, disastrous recitations, surprise quizzes, arduous exams, and challenging professors — is a friendship forged and bonded by one common feat – to survive it all.

           

My life in University of Cebu School of Law (so far) has been nothing but the best I had ever been. I enjoyed immensely its FREE TUITION program for those who make it to the Dean’s List.  Such opportunity drives one to work even harder in the following semester.  But the notion that law students are boring, nerds, geeks, zombies who lack social life, is a misconception.  On the contrary, we party hard as we study harder. We reward ourselves with cases of drinks but we make sure to conscientiously digest as more cases as required for the recitations in the next day. I can also play basketball like it’s the most coveted dessert after a sumptuous meal. The four distinguished houses at UC Law – Veritas, Opsequium, Libertas and Aequitas where I belong, display their talents and skills during the Law Days where courage, strength, sportsmanship, and camaraderie are built. Indeed, law school is that chapter of your life you so fervently wish to finish but will surely miss when it ends.

 

            When I decided to want to become a lawyer, I did so because I wanted to change the world one case at a time.  Thankfully, UC law provides me with just the right training and direction. I am forever grateful to this institution for allowing me to do the things I like while reaching my goals in life. When you want to become a lawyer, you want to learn the law and in the process, you also learn to pray. Similar to life, in law school it’s not always ups but mostly downs. I’ve learned that the answer to any legal question, and to life’s questions in general, is not always ‘yes’ or ‘no’.  It depends.”