12/02/2026
Barrista Solutions | Barrista’s Journey
My Barrista Journey:
"The Bar is not just an exam—it is a crucible that tests not only knowledge, but the very spirit of those who dare to dream of becoming lawyers."
The journey to the Bar is often described as a test of intellect, a marathon of memory, and a battle of endurance. But for me, it was far more than that—it was a crucible of identity, a proving ground where resilience was forged in the fire of doubt, sacrifice, and perseverance.
From the very beginning, my path was questioned. Peers asked if I could truly finish, their words laced with skepticism. Some mocked me, believing themselves superior, as if the weight of their confidence could overshadow my quiet determination. Their voices echoed in my mind during the long nights of study, whispering that perhaps I was not enough. But I learned to turn those whispers into fuel, a reminder that my journey was mine alone, and no one else could define its worth.
The sacrifices were heavy. I missed birthdays, anniversaries, and family celebrations. While others laughed and enjoyed around tables filled with food and joy, I sat alone with codals, case digests, and reviewers. Each missed moment was a wound, but also a choice—a deliberate act of faith that someday, the pain of absence would be redeemed by the pride of accomplishment.
There were days when exhaustion blurred the lines of text, when the weight of responsibilities in my home and work pressed harder than any exam. Life did not pause for my ambition. Bills still needed paying, family still needed care, and the world still demanded attention. Balancing it all felt impossible at times, and yet, I pressed forward.
The Bar journey is not only about mastering the law—it is about mastering oneself. I discovered that discipline is not simply about waking up early or memorizing provisions; it is about silencing the doubts that creep in when failure feels imminent. It is about choosing to believe in your own capacity, even when others do not.
I remember vividly the sting of mockery from those who thought themselves above me, in work and in law school. Their laughter was sharp, their words dismissive. But I carried those moments like stones in my pocket—not to weigh me down, but to remind me of the strength it takes to walk with dignity even when others try to strip it away.
And then there were the quiet victories. The nights when I finally understood a complex doctrine after hours of struggle. The mornings when I woke up with renewed determination despite the fatigue traveling from my place of work to law school. The small affirmations from mentors and loved ones who believed in me, even when I faltered. These moments stitched together a tapestry of resilience, proof that progress is often invisible until it culminates in triumph.
The Bar exams themselves were a battlefield. Each subject demanded not only recall but clarity, precision, and courage. I sat in my assigned room (405) at University of San Jose Recoletos with the weight of years on my shoulders, knowing that every answer was more than ink on paper—it was a declaration of my journey, a testament to the sacrifices made and the doubts overcome. Thanks also to two songs keep singing in my head Higher (Creed) and Golden (Huntr/x) while I’m answering.
When the results finally came, it was not just a personal victory. It was vindication. It was proof that the questions, the mockery, the missed celebrations, and the sleepless nights were not in vain. It was a reminder that resilience is stronger than ridicule, that sacrifice is sweeter than regret, and that dignity is forged in struggle.
But the Bar is not the end. It is the beginning of a greater calling. To practice law is to carry the weight of justice, to serve with integrity, and to honor the sacrifices that brought me here especially to serve our Public School Teachers. To support, protect and lead the educators in their lifeworks. My journey has taught me that the law is not merely a profession—it is a legacy. And legacies are built not on ease, but on endurance.
Today, I look back not with bitterness at the doubts or the mockery, but with gratitude. For without them, I would not have discovered the depth of my resilience. Without the missed celebrations, I would not have understood the true cost of commitment. Without the sacrifices, I would not have learned the value of triumph.
My Barrista Journey is a story of resilience, sacrifice, and dignity. It is a reminder that the path to the Bar is not only about passing an exam—it is about proving to oneself, and to the world, that no amount of doubt or ridicule can silence a heart committed to justice.
And so, I carry forward—not just as a lawyer, but as a testament to the truth that every struggle, every sacrifice, and every scar can be transformed into strength. The Bar is not just a destination. It is a legacy. And mine is only beginning.
ATTY. KENN NORWAY B. MARZADO, JD., EdD. is from the University of Southern Philippines Foundation. He works as the OIC-Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Deped City of Bogo Division.
