There’s a special kind of courage in choosing to show up even when you’re uncertain, in saying yes to something new even when doubt whispers louder than confidence. That’s how my internship journey began; not with grand certainty, but with quiet fear and a burning desire to grow. I did it scared. I stepped closer to the flame, unsure if it would burn or refine me. And in doing so, I found the fire I didn’t know I needed to ignite.
What began as a simple 200-hour requirement quickly transformed into something deeply personal. It became more than just learning the ropes, ticking off deliverables, or completing what was needed before facing my senior year. I found myself stepping into spaces I once thought were too big for me. I was no longer just imagining what it felt like to belong in a legal environment—I was living it, contributing to it, becoming part of it.
Coming from a background in public relations, I carried with me the hope that I could one day thrive in the legal world. I had no idea if I would fit in or if I’d be enough. But every task, no matter how small or technical, became a stepping stone. Slowly, I was trusted with responsibilities: voiceovers, reports, client assistance, content creation, event coordination, and eventually, leadership roles in projects like our website revamp and business development analysis. With every challenge I faced, I began to realize: I didn’t have to feel ready to be ready. I just had to be willing.
This internship became the very space where I began to shed my hesitations. It taught me to speak up in meetings, to offer ideas even when I wasn’t sure they were good enough, to take the lead, to hold myself accountable. I began to see how legal work wasn’t just about law, it was about service, precision, creativity, and integrity. And it was in that realization that something in me shifted. The dream of becoming a lawyer, once quietly tucked away in the corners of my heart, began to burn brighter. Being surrounded by legal professionals, watching how they worked, learning from their decisions, reminded me why I chose this path in the first place. I no longer saw myself as an outsider looking in. I saw myself as someone who could belong here, too.
But I didn’t walk this journey alone. One of the most unexpected blessings of this internship was the people I got to work with. My mentors, supervisors, and teammates became more than just colleagues, they became part of the learning itself. Their guidance, patience, and openness created a space where I felt safe to try, to fail, and to try again. They didn’t just teach me the technical aspects of the job; they modeled professionalism, collaboration, and kindness. In their presence, I learned how important it is to not just be skilled, but to be someone others can rely on and work with. The camaraderie we built made long days feel lighter and turned unfamiliar tasks into shared victories.
This internship didn’t just train me professionally, it changed me personally. It taught me that growth often hides in the everyday: in printing handouts, making cold calls, welcoming clients, or filming contents. That behind every “simple” task is an opportunity to learn, to improve, and to show who you’re becoming.
Now, as I look back on this chapter, I see more than accomplishments. I see proof that even when you’re afraid, even when you don’t feel ready, choosing to show up is enough. That doing it scared is still doing it. And in that space of fear, growth, and fire, I uncovered a version of myself I’d only hoped was real.
And I’m just getting started.
By Regina Beatriz D. Lugtu
Intern
Regina Beatriz Dizon Lugtu, is an upcoming 4th-year Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Communication student at the University of the Philippines Manila. She previously completed her internship at Alburo Alburo and Associates Law Offices, where she gained practical experience and honed her skills in a dynamic legal and business environment.
Inspired by our intern’s journey?
If you’re eager to gain real-world work experience — just like Bea—Alburo Alburo and Associates Law Offices is now accepting applications for its OJT/Internship Program!
💼 As an intern, you’ll:
✅ Get hands-on exposure in your chosen field
✅ Collaborate with experienced legal, business, and support professionals
✅ Develop essential skills for your future career
✅ Immerse yourself in a dynamic and collaborative work environment
📍 Location: Unit 402, Seneca Plaza, 1152 E. Rodriguez Sr. Avenue, New Manila, Quezon City
💻 Note: Interns must bring their own laptops.
📩 Ready to apply? Send your:
• Updated Resume
• Letter of Intent
📧 To: mscruz@alburolaw.com
📌 Subject Line: OJT/INTERN – [FULL NAME]
Start shaping your future today—apply now and take your first step toward building your career.
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