TITLE: THE BAR COMPANION

By Nielgem S. Beja

Sunday before the first Sunday

You might feel excited and nervous all at the same time. Regardless of how you feel, finally, the first
Sunday of the Bar Exams is coming. If you think about it, you had the same feeling way back when you
were one week away from starting your law school journey. You did not know what to expect but you were
sure you will make it. Thus, the upcoming bar exam is not different.

You are just few days away from making your dreams come true. It is absolutely normal to over think,
tremble sometimes, and even think of escaping from all this. But look back again. When you were five or
six years younger, you already went through all the over thinking, trembling and have tried to stop from
pursuing law school multiple times. But then, here you are -- reading this.

First Monday

Breathe. I know you feel like you have wasted so much time for the past few days, months or even
years. You feel empty and unprepared. There will be more doubts and restless days to come. But in times
like this it is not a sin to pause for awhile and let go of everything for a minute or two. The more you feed
your anxiety the more it will eat you. At this point no one expects you to memorize the whole Labor Code.
No one requires you to read every single jurisprudence in Constitutional law. When you feel like you’re in
a rush, PAUSE AND BREATHE.

Think of happy thoughts. Think that no matter what happens, one day you will wake up and this
certain day will only be a faded memory because you already have your first real name -- Atty.

First Tuesday

Hey there! You will pass the bar! I mean it. If you are looking for a sign, this is it. Do not doubt it. I
tell you, this phase will be over soon. This is just a part of the process which will make your success
sweeter. There is no bar taker in this country that is completely composed and fine today. You might feel a
little dizzy or feverish, but you are absolutely fine.

First Wednesday