BY GEROME DALIPE IV
ILOILO City – Law schools are often described as the “loneliest” places on earth — a crucible where no one emerges unscathed. They bring out both the best and the worst in every student.
At just 26 years old, newly minted lawyer Vanessa Gayoma-Silla is no stranger to the relentless challenges law students face in pursuit of the coveted title of “attorney.”
For many barristers, tales of terror professors, endless reading materials, hundreds of case digests, and the nerve-wracking anxiety of recitations are common rites of passage.
But for Silla, the journey to the Bar came with an unexpected trial: falling seriously ill just three weeks before the Bar examinations.
“It took me a week to recover,” Silla shared. “Instead of stressing about it, I just watched anime and enjoyed my time off.”
Despite the setback, Silla’s perseverance paid off as she joined the pioneering batch of the West Visayas State University College of Law (WVSU-COL) in celebrating a remarkable achievement.
Twelve out of thirteen members of Batch Banaag passed the 2024 Bar examinations, securing an impressive 92.31 percent passing rate.
The Supreme Court recognized WVSU-COL as the Best Performing Law School in the category of 11-50 successful examinees, marking a historic milestone for the institution.
Beyond academics, Silla stood out for her leadership and eloquence.
She was a member of the WVSU Debate Team, which won first runner-up among 24 competing law schools nationwide during the 1st Justice Hilarion L. Aquino National Memorial Debate Championship in March 2023.
In the final round, Silla’s eloquence and skill earned her the prestigious Best Debater award.
Before law school, Silla graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Management from the University of the Philippines-Visayas, where she laid the foundation for her academic and leadership success.
Silla’s preparation for the Bar was rooted in discipline and adaptability. “I kept a copy of the syllabus with me all the time. Then, I marked the topics that I read and understood,” she said.
She also credited WVSU-COL for teaching her to embrace uncertainty. “WVSU-COL made me realize that things will not always go according to plan, so I learned how to adapt quickly and not dwell on something I have no control over.”
This lesson proved invaluable when she encountered last-minute glitches at the testing center.
Silla attributed much of her success to her strong support system. “Family, friends, and mentors are the wind beneath my wings,” she said.
When asked about her future, Silla admitted she is still exploring her options. “I am still trying to find my place under the sun,” she said with a mix of humility and determination.
As for her advice to aspiring lawyers preparing for the Bar exam, Silla shared three key pieces of wisdom: “Schedule your problems. Stay calm. Enjoy the process.”/PN
