02-04-2001- this date brought breakthrough to me as a dreamer.
Rewind 8 years back: 10AM, I was watching TV (black and white), unprepared and have not fix myself yet, when my classmates, composed of all girls, passed by the house to inform me that they are heading to the exam venue.
"Halika na Rod, sabay-sabay na tayo." said Jenny when she was trying to convince me to go with them that early. "E, ang aga pa, ano'ng gagawin ko 'dun? 'Di pa ako kumain. Una na lang kayo, nanonood pa 'ko ng LG quiz e." That time was Picture Puzzle portion already and I was giving an answer while trying to shoo them away.
After the one-hour show, the lunch was ready and as I was trying to do my preparations, Nanay asked, "Akin, man-examine ka o andi? Linma la ra may kaklasim."I answered her nicely and prepared, and headed to Pangasinan National HS.
DOST Scholarship exam started 1PM and with relaxed mind, I took each questions seriously. As I carefully follow instructions, I whispered to myself, "This is it! This is my opportunity." All items in the test were all items I enjoyed solving. From memory test to escape-from-a-volcano test (where you need to follow instructions); from mathematical and algebraic tests to sequence/patterns analogy; from verbal relationship, reading comprehension up to linguistics (my favorite part which I enjoyed the most!). I admit how I just got bored in the Personality test part, where questions relative to time management, skills enhancement, and prioritization were asked.
"How do you celebrate a simple personal success?" was one of the questions. My answer: Treat myself for a scope of ice cream. (which I stand to until now)
I slept early that night considering the new week that was about to start. I still have to prepare myself to battle against my ego. I haven't stopped with my mission to regain what I rightfully own---being the top senior. That night was a relief with hope and prayers.
That opportunity, I knew was God's way to bless me and my family that on 04-02-2001 (look at the date), the result was out in the broadsheets. Fortunately, out of 10 hopefuls from our school, I emerged as the sole passer---and was under BS category(4-5 year course)! With that, alot of things have changed. From a simple-teaching-course-dream in a state university to a techie-computer-course in the Region top IT school located in Dagupan City.
Next things that happened was when my parents received the telegram informing them that I did it! Mellow-dramatic that was but need I say more? Then, the signing of contract in DOST office when Tatay and I walked the whole Maramba Blvd(?). And then the most anticipated Summer Orientation and Enrichment Program (SOEP) in La Union, a month-long college-preparedness program by the DOST Region I.
There were some detractors who challenged my family to support my entry for Computronix College to try to maintain the scholarship but of course, 'di kami nagpa-apekto. And so, one great college life started. Nakapag-aral na ako, may pera pa ako. Salamat sa Diyos at sa DOST.
