we really should have a sense of duty to serve, whether we like it or not

i went to my brother's college graduation a few days ago and their guest speaker, an alumni of their college who was recently appointed to a high government position, stated that in a decade or two, they, the graduates, will be asked to give back and serve the country. being an "iskolar ng bayan" meant that they have a moral obligation to serve the people since their education was subsidized and funded by state taxes paid by citizens of the country. but until that time comes, they will be busy toiling for themselves.

what struck me was the fact he said that a decade or two will pass before they start giving back. but then again, what the guest speaker probably meant was that its something the graduates shouldnt try to escape from. they may try not to give back but there will come a time when their services will be needed, when they will be specifically requested to serve for the simple reason that their education and skills make them the only qualified person for the job. everyone will be asked to serve the country and its a matter of time for some.

in my case, i started giving back what i "owe" the moment i finished the bar exams. i do it in the form of free legal service. unfortunately, it isnt intentional on my part. it just so happens our law office allows free legal service to those who really cant afford the services of a lawyer. there are times i really prefer handling cases of clients who doesnt have the means to pay because they really deserve to protected by the law (unlike some clients who have the capacity to pay but their character and attitude makes them look undeserving of being represented in court).

the speech by the guest speaker made me realize that im actually practicing the things i swore i will do. what im doing now is in accordance with my lawyer's oath, my oath as a graduate of UP and as an alumni of UP. am i happy about it? honestly, not really. but i dont feel bad about it either. im proud, thats for sure. i just dont have strong feelings about it. its an obligation and it gives me a good feeling that im able to fulfill such obligation. but like most obligations, it is burdensome. its a chore so its not something im really happy about. but that doesnt mean i dont feel good since it still gives me some sense of satisfaction. its a notable accomplishment for me. to say it makes me happy would be too much. it just makes me feel good. i dont think its a question of whether it makes me happy or not but whether im fulfilling my duty or doing what is required or expected of me.