For Jealisha Leung, becoming Valedictorian of the Hugh Wooding Law School was not an achievement she ever expected to have under her belt. When the registrar contacted here to tell her that she had been selected to deliver the valedictory address on behalf of here graduating class, Leung says she was “shocked into silence.”
The distinction came years after balancing her studies in Trinidad with work, responsibilities at home in Guyana, and her own personal interest.
“Studies are always challenging,” Leung said. “For me particularly, I had to juggle my studies with still working remotely and managing my household back in Guyana.” That balancing act became on of the defining features of her law school experience.
Leung said she placed strong emphasis on managing her time rather than just simply spending every available hour studying. “I always believe in studying smartly rather than just studying for the sake of studying was important,” she said.
Even with that approach, she says the final stretch was not easy. As examinations approached, Leung said she reached a point where she questioned whether she would be able to complete the journey successfully.
“Even as later as the study period just before the exams, I definitely felt as though i could not succeed in this final lap of the exams,” she recalled.
Her faith, she said, helped restore her confidence.
Leung also credits the people around here, including her partner, colleagues, friends and others who supported her throughout law school.
“This was certainly a journey of faith and patience,” she said adding that the experience strengthened her faith.
Her path to law itself was somewhat unexpected.
While at Queens Collage, Leung initially intended to pursue Medicine, but during the streaming process, however, she chose law because of her passion for reading and debating.
“I have no regrets since,” she said.
Now back in Guyana, Leung is preparing to begin the next phase of her legal career. While she has primarily been exposed to civil law, she remains open to where the profession may take her.
For Leung becoming a lawyer is also about understanding that the profession extends beyond the traditional image of prestige, financial success and the pursuit of justice. “Understanding what justice means for different persons, for the different clients that you may have, may not fit that traditional notion,” she said.
She believes young lawyers must also understand that completing law school is just the beginning.
“The law is constantly growing every day, and to be successful you have to keep growing with it,” Leung said.
Her advice to young people aspiring to enter demanding professions is equally focused on balance.
“Its not always about studying,” she said. “You need to take care of your health, you need to keep rested, and you still need to pursue life outside of the law.
Source: NEW ROOMS SITE
