In the middle of my third year in college, I faced one of the hardest seasons of my life — physically, emotionally, and mentally. I barely made it to classes, missed exams and quizzes, and struggled to keep up. For five months, I was only in school for about six weeks, constantly racing deadlines and trying to catch up without the foundation most students had. I didn’t think I’d make it — not to the passing mark, and definitely not to qualify for my On-the-Job Training (OJT).
But through it all, I held on to hope — especially the hope my mom gave me, even as she went through her own battles, like dialysis treatments. Her words, “Pasar lagi yaan, ampo lang,” became my lifeline.
By God’s grace, I passed.
It was in the middle of the second semester of my third collegiate year that I started assessing myself if I would qualify for the On-the-Job Training (OJT) of our program. There is a big chance that I wouldn’t make it given the fact that I wasn’t able to focus on my academics due to major setbacks that challenged me physically, emotionally, and mentally during that semester. I wasn’t able to attend my classes regularly, missed many quizzes and activities, often, major exams — I was very behind.
For five months, I think I only got to be at school like six weeks in total. Most of that time was spent submitting necessary requirements that were week-past the due date (always). So whose student would dare to expect a passing grade at that? I can’t think of any context that could box up the struggles I had to face to make ends meet; taking 5 major exams for different major subjects, in a day, accumulating both prelims and midterms, without any ‘discussed-gained’ knowledge, is surely a thing! One even took me seven hours long! Let’s just say, that’s close to the worst I had to endure to patch up the things I’ve been missing.
While waiting for the release of grades, I knew there was a big chance, again, that I wouldn’t make it, nonetheless, I was ready; however, what I was not prepared for is what to say to my parents, especially my mom, who was most excited, not to mention nga ihatud padaw ko niya knowing She’s in her weekly dialysis treatment. How she tapped my back with “pasar lagi yaan, ampo lang” are pieces of hope I clung to, lifting me despite the heavy shackle of that “I wouldn’t make it” thing.
And, fortunately, I passed!
Fast forward: my OJT journey was no less than a rough road. It had plains and bumps. Quite challenging but I got to enjoy the way (can’t pinpoint each experience but I learned a lot) and thanfully, it ended well. While writing this, I realized that this was never been a thread of luck, but an alignment from God; assuring me of a greater purpose and a better future ahead (Jer. 29:11).