September 29, 2023

I am Thomas Jefferson A. Fernando, top 3 of the recent Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) last January 30, elementary level. I graduated from Pangasinan State University – Asingan Campus under the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP) program. An interesting fact about my education was that I did not go into formal schooling during college and that was the reason why I enrolled under the ETEEAP program which was a way for a person like me who had a lot of life and work experiences even if I was not yet a college graduate. I was 31 years old when I graduated college due to financial and family problems and thankfully, someone also helped me to finance my educational needs.

I experienced a lot of problems. First of all, I did not attend any formal schooling during college, and I did not have the face-to-face experience of being inside a classroom while listening to the professor during his or her lectures. I only read the modules that they gave to me and it was very hard for me because I didn’t have someone to ask about my questions. I was also a working student, so I really need to use my time wisely for work, studies as well as for my home/online tutorial services. I also supported myself during review days and I was the one who paid all my fees during review and the books that I wanted to read for the LET examination.

I solved this problem by being motivated to learn and by being passionate about teaching. It all started late when I realized that I love teaching, so I really did my best during the review days. I worked while studying at the same time. Apart from that, I also grabbed the opportunity to learn online during the pandemic and to get a lot of review materials online as well.

I also believed that I cannot do it alone, so I enrolled in a review center near us and it was Carl E. Balita Review Center (CBRC) Cainta Antipolo. I enrolled there during my face to face review days last 2019 onwards. Even when they shifted to an online setup due to the pandemic,  I was with them. They helped me with a lot of review materials to read. The lecturers were very accommodating and helpful to us. They were very helpful to me especially with the books and materials that I needed to ace the LET exam.

I would like to tell whoever is reading this that age doesn’t matter. God is always there for us. We all must patiently wait for God’s perfect timing in our lives. I was once lost and anxious if I will still become a professional, but God made everything beautiful in his own perfect time. Never lose hope and never ever give up. I know that we all face a lot of challenges in our lives, but we should not be tormented by fear and anxiety for we should hold on to God’s promises that He will always make a way.

2 thoughts on “I DID NOT GO TO FORMAL SCHOOLING DURING COLLEGE – ETEEAP Program Graduate – Ranks 3 in January 2022 LET

  1. We are the same story ..hinahangaan kita kong gaano ka tatag humarap sa hamon ng buhay.mabuhay ka!

  2. Super super proud of you sir as top 3. God and you did it. I am happy for your great success in life. May God bless you more and more and the rest of humanity.

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