never too late

Since I started working and earning my own money, I never entertained the idea of going back to school again to take up higher studies. There was a point when I did go back, but I stopped just the same. I got married at 29 and the more that I detest such an idea. I was more engrossed with raising my own family, saving for the future and pondered much on how can I get to bear a child. When I got pregnant three years after, motherhood became a priority and despite the clamor of my colleagues to pursue my higher studies, I just snobbed them. I told them my satisfaction of being a teacher I.

Then, an opportunity came along in 2010--- something that was hard to resist. A scholarship was being offered by the Civil Service Commission to all government employees and the best part of the offer was, the status of the a qualified grantee would be "study on official time", which meant, he doesn't need to go to work while under contract with the CSC. This was the most tempting part!

When I got all the necessary information from our administrative officer, I called my husband in his office (also a government office), and told him of my intention to try it out. He said he wanted it too.

So off we went, and processed all the needed documents to be able to qualify for the competitive exam on March 28, 2010 in San Fernando, La Union. We had, like a month to prepare for the test and we did review together. I must admit, we pushed it really hard. This was something that I had to be serious about particularly in Math. The examination covered Management, English, Math, Constitution, and a lot of RAs. I was just grateful that I had 3 semesters in UP Baguio on a Management course.

Then the big day came. Looking back, there were a lot of adversities along the way which made me think- Oh my something's tryin' to block us off. Imagine, the car wouldn't start, then when it did, the car air- con failed! But still we went on and took the exam, the most difficult exam I ever had-- probably next to UPCAT.

Three months after, to our surprise,  our names were on the CSC Website. Oh, I cried. Both of us passing that exam was a such a blessing. However, that was just 50% of the exam; we still had to undergo the panel interview in San Fernando, La Union in October. And so we did. But it wasn't as easy as that. There was a typhoon at that time, and the entire Dagupan was flooded. So we were thinking: Should we head off? Yes, we did.

DURING MY ORAL DEFENSE UNDER DR. SICAT'S CLASS @ TSU

It was my husband who was interviewed first and it was an agony to be waiting for my turn. I just wanted this to end because it was really killing me. My turn came and thank God, I think I did pretty good.

When letters came informing us that my husband and I made it, I was just so happy! To be honest, what really made me happy was the fact that I can get to take care of my daughter for the next two years and be a full-fledged wife to my husband.  I was really excited. What was more surprising was that, the desire to go back to school was on at me again; well, never too late I guess..