By Nicola Bangsil, BA-COMM 4 OJT
Dawn Louie Macasa Abad passed the January 2022 LET Board Examinations.
The result of the January 30, 2022 Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) was certainly deemed crucial by the examinees. A handful of Centralians fulfilled their achievements in the said examinations. Six Centralians received their licenses in Elementary Education (CPU Passing Percentage was 85.71%), and seven also received theirs in Secondary Education (CPU Passing Percentage was 77.78%).
It is truly a remarkable feat, especially for those who have prepared for days, weeks, and even months to get where they are today. Finally seeing one’s name on the list of board passers definitely gives a huge sigh of relief after months of retaining anxious feelings of uncertainty.
For one, it may have been expected, especially when the exam has been prepared for in advance along with perseverance, strong will, and good faith. One among the lucky ones is Centralian, Dawn Louie Macasa Abad, an alumna of Central Philippine University’s Bachelor in Elementary Education of 2016.
Abad shares her triumphs amidst all the challenges of consistent preparation, regular job shifts, pressured expectations and opinions of others, only to reveal that she is more than what she is capable of, seemingly making the impossible possible. Here is what she has to say.
How did you prepare for the exam?
Abad: Strong determination, focus and good preparation in exams, the keys to success. Without these based on my experience, I may [have] not made it.
Abad: First of all, I did more reading because it helped me to expand my mind and gives more ideas. When I read, I exercised my comprehension abilities and my analytical abilities. It fired up my imagination and most importantly it helped me recall information which are very essential while taking an exam. Second, managed my time wisely. Another important thing to keep in mind was to identify the most productive time of the day. Some people function best during the day, while others are more productive at the night. Lastly, motivated myself. In passing the exam I should be driven by my dreams. To achieve my goals, I should really want it. Make my love ones, family, friends, or even myself as my motivation to pass the exam. There’s a quote that I’ve read in an article that says “Do not wait for miracle to happen. You have to dig first before you harvest the fruit of your labor” and I believe in it.
What were your difficulties?
Abad: One of my difficulties in preparation for the board exam was balancing my time for work and my time for review. During the whole week I was busy performing my responsibilities as a kindergarten teacher. It stressed me a little but then I had goals and that was to be a Licensed Professional Teacher so I always scanned my notes to study even with just a little short time. Another one was the negative effect of people who degraded my capabilities underestimating me. We all have these people in our lives. The eternal pessimists who are quick to point out when you’re wrong. The ones who will always explain why your plans won’t come to fruition and these are kind of people we should avoid being with all the time because they will only hinder your positivity to aim higher in life. I’ve learned to make these people the least of my worries because I realized they will give no good on me. I stand strong and stayed unbothered with those words they threw on me. I am the only one who knows my real worth and not them.
What are your goals now that you are licensed?
Abad: I am beyond grateful for passing the exam, it really means a lot to me. Right now, I am planning to apply for a teaching position in public school and to take a Master’s Degree to broaden my knowledge and develop my capabilities. I am very eager to learn and explore new things in my chosen profession. I am now more open for discovery about myself, my profession and for the future people that I might deal with. Learning is a continuous process and that excites me more!
Abad certainly knows how to make the best use of her time and balance all other aspects of her life. Good time management, patience, and courage are key character traits that prove essential when overcoming personal battles as well as personal goals.
Fellow future LET examinees would perhaps find her story motivational or inspirational, so definitely take notes. What we could learn from this is not only the determination needed, but also the faith that we should have in ourselves in order to conquer obstacles. The world may seem to bring you down, but having the courage to take a stand to make things right and prepare for the future is what makes wonders happen.