Every law student, at some point in the journey, has experienced doubt.
There are moments when the workload becomes overwhelming, setbacks seem endless, and the thought of giving up appears easier than pressing on. Behind every wig and gown, however, is a story often one of sacrifice, uncertainty, perseverance and resilience.
It was against this backdrop that the Budding Lawyers Network (BLN) hosted its August mentorship session, bringing together aspiring lawyers for a deeply insightful and practical conversation on navigating the realities of legal education.
The session featured Olayinka Valentine Ogundare, Esq., a First Class law graduate and legal practitioner called to the Nigerian Bar as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, who spoke on the compelling topic:
“WHO SENT ME TO LAW SCHOOL? THE TRUTH ABOUT THE STRUGGLE BEFORE THE WIG AND GOWN”
The session focused on three critical areas:
• Navigating Stress & Setbacks
• Resilience: Choosing Not to Give Up
• Hope Through Shared Experiences
Rather than presenting law school as a journey without difficulties, Ogundare offered an honest reflection on the struggles that aspiring lawyers encounter and, more importantly, practical strategies for overcoming them.
The Question Every Law Student Asks
“Who sent me to law school?”
According to Ogundare, this is a question many law students ask themselves, particularly when academic pressure begins to mount or when they compare their progress with that of their colleagues.
Seeing classmates answer questions confidently, achieve excellent grades or appear to understand concepts faster can sometimes create feelings of inadequacy.
But comparison, he cautioned, should never become a reason to abandon one's vision.
He encouraged students to remain focused on where they are going rather than becoming distracted by the pace of others.
“Let no one talk you out of your vision. Stay focused.”
He reminded participants that the greatest motivation often comes from within. The journey may not be easy, but challenges do not have to determine the outcome.
The question, therefore, is not simply “Who sent me to law school?” but rather:
“Where do I see myself when this journey is over?”
Navigating Stress: Knowing Yourself and Your Journey
One of the major highlights of the mentorship session was the practical guidance Ogundare offered on managing stress in law school.
He identified several strategies that students can adopt.
1. Trust in the Supreme Being
For students whose faith is central to their journey, Ogundare encouraged them to trust God and remain hopeful even when circumstances appear difficult.
2. Understand Your Health and Well-Being
Students must pay attention to their physical and mental well-being. Academic success should not come at the expense of one's overall health.
Knowing one's limits is an important part of surviving the demands of legal education.
3. Know Yourself and Find What Works for You
There is no universal study method.
Some students perform better in the morning, while others concentrate more effectively at night. Some prefer studying alone, while others thrive in study groups.
Ogundare urged students not to abandon their own rhythm simply because someone else's approach appears to be working.
“Don't leave your own clock and use that of another. You will fail.”
The message was clear: know yourself, understand how you learn best, and develop a system that works for you.
4. Make Time for Rest and Happiness
Law school requires discipline, but students are not machines.
Rest is necessary. Students should create time to relax, enjoy healthy activities and recharge.
Doing the right thing at the right time is part of maintaining balance.
5. Build Meaningful Relationships
A student's environment can significantly influence the law school experience.
Ogundare encouraged students to build healthy relationships with colleagues, seniors and juniors, while deliberately choosing friends whose values and goals align with theirs.
He also offered a candid reminder about romantic relationships on campus: while relationships may naturally develop, students must remain intentional and guard their hearts and priorities.
6. Identify Your Driving Force
Every student needs to know why they are studying law.
When the pressure becomes intense, that reason can become an important source of motivation.
Whether it is a desire to serve society, pursue justice, become an advocate, build a career or create change, knowing one's “why” can help sustain the journey.
7. Build a Support System
No one should attempt to navigate law school completely alone.
Ogundare encouraged students to value their families and build additional support networks among trusted friends, colleagues, mentors and seniors.
Having people who can encourage you during difficult moments can make a significant difference.
8. Seek Help and Take Breaks
Students should not be ashamed to ask for help when they need it.
When studying becomes overwhelming, taking a short break, watching a movie, engaging in a relaxing activity or simply stepping away from the books for a while can help restore focus.
A break is not necessarily a sign of weakness. Sometimes, it is what makes it possible to return stronger.
9. Speak Positively to Yourself
The language students use when speaking to themselves matters.
Ogundare encouraged participants to practise positive affirmations and remind themselves:
“I can do it.”
Self-belief does not eliminate challenges, but it can give students the courage to confront them.
10. Eat and Take Care of Yourself
In one of the session's most practical reminders, Ogundare urged students not to neglect food.
Sometimes, frustration and exhaustion can be worsened by something as basic as hunger.
Students were therefore encouraged to eat properly, rest and take care of their bodies while pursuing academic excellence.
Excellence Still Matters
While resilience and well-being were central to the discussion, Ogundare emphasised that students must also take their academics seriously.
He encouraged law students to pursue good grades at the faculty level and, more importantly, to understand the substance of what they are being taught.
For him, legal education should not simply be about passing examinations. Students must strive to understand the law and develop the intellectual foundation necessary for professional practice.
A Message of Resilience
Perhaps the most memorable message from the session was Ogundare's powerful reminder:
“Aspire to acquire the desire you admire, but if in the process you perspire, don't retire, but refire!”
It captured the central message of the mentorship session: struggle is not failure, and setbacks are not the end of the journey.
The wig and gown may represent the destination, but the journey towards them demands discipline, resilience, self-awareness, support and an unwavering belief in one's vision.
Meet the Speaker
Olayinka Valentine Ogundare, Esq. is a legal practitioner from Akinmoorin in Oyo State, Nigeria.
He holds an LL.B. degree from Kings University College, Accra, Ghana, where he graduated with First Class Honours as the best graduating student in his class. He was subsequently called to the Nigerian Bar and is a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
He currently serves as a Teaching Assistant and Senior Administrative Assistant in the Faculty of Law, Governance and International Relations at Kings University College, contributing to legal education, academic administration and student development.
Ogundare is also a member of the Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators (ICMC), Nigeria, and a Certified Mediator of the Mediation Training Institute, Nigeria.
During his undergraduate years, he distinguished himself through academic excellence, advocacy and leadership. He participated in the 4th Edition of The Law Challenge Ghana, competed in several moot court competitions and served in various leadership capacities, including as the 9th President of the Law Students' Union at Kings University College.
His professional interests include constitutional law, international law, human rights, alternative dispute resolution, legal education and leadership development.
Beyond his professional achievements, Ogundare is passionate about transforming legal education into an environment that is engaging, accessible and inspiring. Through teaching, mentorship and advocacy, he seeks to empower aspiring lawyers to believe that legal education, although rigorous, is attainable regardless of their background.
Budding Lawyers Network: Building Lawyers Beyond the Classroom
The August mentorship session is consistent with the vision of the Budding Lawyers Network, which seeks to provide aspiring lawyers with mentorship, guidance, exposure and practical insights beyond the traditional classroom experience.
By creating spaces where law students can hear directly from practitioners, academics, judges and experienced professionals, BLN continues to emphasise that becoming a lawyer is about more than obtaining a degree.
It is about developing discipline, integrity, resilience, competence and a clear sense of purpose.
The August session reminded every participant that behind every successful lawyer is a journey that may include moments of doubt, failure, exhaustion and uncertainty.
But the struggle before the wig and gown does not have to define the destination.
Keep going. Know your “why.” Find your rhythm. Seek help. Take care of yourself. And when the journey becomes difficult, don't retire. Refire.
Budding Lawyers Network
Where Legal Grooming Meets Discipline, Integrity & Excellence.