On the 20th November 2015, seven days shy of my 24th birthday I was called to the bar and became Michelle Gonzalez Attorney at Law.  What a nostalgic and momentous occasion. This little girl from a small town was no longer crying tears of frustration but tears of joy as her dreams had become a reality…

Let’s go back to where it all began. 

My five-year journey started sometime in June 2010 when I applied and was subsequently accepted into the Faculty of Law. I remember being nervous as I was unsure whether I would be accepted into such a prestigious faculty. While I met all the requirements, I was certain that there were others who were smarter than me who had also applied.

The first day was surreal. Our lecturer with no remorse handed out pages upon pages of cases that we would need to know. I remember whispering to my friend with incredulity “Wait! Is this all for one topic in one course?”  Mind you we had about eight courses. However, I survived and I passed all my courses propelling me towards year two. That first year flew very quickly. Maybe because I was focused on the upcoming year when I would have to migrate to another country where I would spend years two and three.

With the mega four pieces of luggage in which I attempted to pack my entire life, I arrived excited and ready to take on this new chapter. This was until it dawned on me a week later that I would be alone, as my father was returning home. Alone with all those courses and no parents at my side to cook, clean and pamper me when I was tired, studying or simply lazy. Furthermore, my parents' wallets were no longer a few footsteps away but an entire plane ride. How dreadful! I was now wishing that the two years would pass by in a week so I could return home. 

Having to pay bills, study and survive in a new territory was an extreme pressure. The tears were flowing from my eyes weekly. I wanted to give up and return home but each time my parents reminded me that this was a part of the road that would lead to my dream. With those resounding words and many more I persevered and completed my second and third year. I graduated in 2013 and attained my Bachelors of Law Degree with honours. 

On to years 4 and 5 where I would attend Law School, which was the making and breaking point of becoming a lawyer. Only the best survive and are called to the bar from here they say.  Assignments, Exams, Court Visits, Mock Trials and Legal Clinics were just a part of the curriculum. I honestly felt like I had entered the Hunger Games. I had to chant my way through the next two years with motivational quotes and songs. Especially when I failed a course in my final year. It was like the finish line was in sight but not in reach. Thankfully I got it together in supplemental exams and graduated in October 2015 receiving my Legal Education Certificate. Looking back, it seemed unmanageable and unattainable. But as I’ve learnt with other challenging situations that life has brought, it always seems impossible until it’s done.

Sometimes your goal may seem far off or unattainable but if you keep focused on what you want to achieve, you will get there.

Written By

Michelle Gonzalez

Attorney-at-Law