Life’s uncanny ways

In the hallowed halls of the Ateneo de Manila School of Law, I embarked on a quest that had been etched into the deepest recesses of my soul—a quest to become an Atenean lawyer. It was a dream nurtured over the years, an aspiration infused with the ideals of our revered institution. Yet, as I ventured deeper into the labyrinth of legal studies, I came face to face with a profound truth—a truth that would ultimately set my life on an unexpected course.

My journey into the whirlwind world of law had begun with the noblest of intentions. The Ateneo law school, with its venerable reputation, was a place where dreams materialized into ambitions, and idealism intermingled with the intricacies of legalese. I was ready to adorn the mantle of the legal profession, to bear the torch of justice, and to traverse the path of a legal luminary.

The journey through law school, like an intricate dance of intellect and ambition, demanded the relentless devotion of my time and energy. It was an odyssey through dense volumes of legal doctrine, case law, and constitutional complexities. Many a night was spent ensnared by the siren call of case studies, dissecting legal precedents, and weaving the intricate tapestry of jurisprudence. The path I had chosen was arduous, and doubts began to creep into the corners of my determination.

But as I valiantly navigated this tumultuous academic journey, an unforeseen tempest of global proportions arrived in the form of a pandemic. It upended the very foundations of my law school experience, thrusting the world into uncertainty. This pandemic was an uninvited guest at the legal banquet, one that transformed law schooling into an even more formidable challenge. Personal issues compounded my struggles, and I was faced with a painful but necessary choice—temporarily halt my legal pursuit. During this hiatus, I found myself questioning the relevance of lawyering in a world that was undergoing rapid transformation. The results of a pivotal election forced me to confront the unsettling thought that the path I had chosen may no longer align with my evolving perspective on change and societal impact. Doubt gnawed at my resolve.

Yet, life has an uncanny way of ushering us into uncharted waters when we least expect it. I seized an opportunity that beckoned like a siren’s song—an opportunity to be based overseas, to traverse the globe, to immerse myself in a tapestry of diverse cultures, and in doing so, to pen a new chapter in the story of my life. Like a cosmic whisper, this overseas opportunity carried with it tales of adventure, of cultural immersion, and of a respite from the mundane. It was an alluring call that my spirit could not resist. With conviction and a tinge of rebellion, I resolved to break free from the shackles of law school and fling open the door to a world of uncertainty. New languages, unfamiliar customs, and the enchanting allure of foreign landscapes beckoned. Suddenly, I was a student once more, but my classroom was the entire world.

My journey overseas was not just a collection of passport stamps; it was an expedition into the heart of cultures, traditions, and worldviews. While my textbooks had imparted the laws of a nation, this odyssey unveiled the universal constants that bound us—laughter, love, longing—regardless of borders.

And though I was not engaged in drafting legal arguments, I found myself in conversations and collaborations that stretched my intellect and broadened my horizons. The pursuit of justice, it turned out, was not confined to the hallowed halls of a courtroom. I encountered individuals who were catalysts of change in their communities, not as lawyers but as educators, environmentalists, and advocates for diverse causes. It was a revelation—a testament to the idea that law was just one thread in the rich tapestry of effecting change.

I embarked on an adventure that carried me to more than 25 countries over a single year. Amidst the whirlwind of my global journey, I found solace and inspiration in the pages of the Bible, particularly in the book of Isaiah. Its verses reminded me that the Lord’s mission transcends borders, calling us to serve locally and globally. My newfound path allowed me to fulfill this mission in ways I had never envisioned as a law student. It was a revelation of the boundless possibilities that life offers when we dare to venture beyond our preconceived horizons.

As I pen these words, I raise a metaphorical toast to the unpredictable adventures of life. May they continue to lead us down uncharted paths, inspiring us to explore, adapt, and make a positive impact on the world around us. And may they lead us to places we never knew we needed to explore. Saluti!

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Kien Owen Pamosena, 28, is a seasoned marketing communications practitioner with a track record of managing renowned global brands. He loves dabbling into the realms of literature and sci-fi, volleyball, and chocolate cakes.