The Strange Thing About Victory

Humbled.

I strangely felt so as we emerged victorious in the 4^th LAWASIA International Law Moot Competition in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam. There was no euphoria. Only sigh of relief and a feeling of thankfulness that five months of efforts have paid off. So, this is how it feels like to be on top of the world (or more precisely, Asia Pacific). Humbled.

Humbled, perhaps by the fact that I did not achieve this solely on my own effort. This victory is not mine or the team’s alone, but a combined effort of many – including our friends and competitors. That and some sprinkle of luck, hard work, and God’s work.

We were given a hero’s welcome back at home. I was flattered, but a part of me feels uncomfortable with that treatment. Even if it meant only a moment on the pedestal, I was itching to get back on the ground. Having said that, I sincerely appreciate those who welcome us home with open arms, as I was reminded that I have more well-wishers than that of naysayers.

Perhaps my teammate was right – what matters was not the victory itself or the adulation from people. It’s about inspiring people, and there can be no greater sense of satisfaction than being able to inspire people.

It is also about what you learn through the journey. Patience, integrity, diligence, trust, appreciation, humility, graciousness, genial and, a sense of humour – these are the virtues that I have learned to appreciate and practice from my teammates and some of the LAWASIA participants and volunteers.

A day before I left for Ho Chi Minh, blogged this:

You are measured not by how high you have climbed, but by how many lives you have touched. This is where you could touch them all – on this ground that you stand on, and not the ivory tower that you are looking at.

It was made in reference to the end of my Rotaract Presidency. Now, after this victory, this quote is ringing even louder in my head, and I am sure it’ll be here to stay.

Thoughts

It’s been a while since I did any serious updating on this blog. Life has been hectic, as usual. Perhaps more hectic than usual. The LAWASIA Moot Competition is just around the corner, and it’s not exaggeration to say that it’s driving me up the walls (I’m sure my fellow team mates feel the same). This would probably be my swan song. I hope it ends well.

I think I have newfound respect for litigation lawyers, thanks to mooting. If preparing for a case for a moot competition takes up so much of one’s energy, I can only imagine how tedious it would be in real life. But I got to admit that it’s rather exciting. The challenge, and the adrenalin rush of having to argue your case before a no-nonsense bench – no amount of conveyancing work will give you that satisfaction I bet.

Having said that, I am still unsure whether I would want to specialize in litigation. Heck, I’m not even sure I will be practicing. If my two-months internship  experience is any indication of the legal profession, than I’m quite sure that I will not be practicing for the rest of my life. I need to be constantly inspired to love what I do, and that two months of internship have left me uninspired.

Perhaps it’s just too early to decide now. It’s about one more year to graduation, and another year for CLP before I get the taste of the legal profession for real. Until then, I’ll keep an open mind, and look forward for every challenges that will be thrown in my way.

Quote

You are measured not by how high you have climbed, but by how many lives you have touched. This is where you could touch them all – on this ground that you stand on, and not the ivory tower that you are looking at.