MARIA ANGELA B. ORIENTE, Second Placer, September 2024 Licensure Examination for Social Workers

Bearing the more common name Jengjeng, I grew up at a young age in an environment full of social workers, which exposed me early in this profession, allowing me to develop initial insights. I am proud to share that I have an unconventional family where my “parents” are women—my mama, aunts, and lola. Throughout the years, they became my backbone. Interestingly, in terms of education, I did not excel in academics during my primary and junior high school years, not until my senior years. I can also recall that there came a pivotal time when I was about to be demoted from the Special Science Class (SSC) at ISNHS, but I was able to redeem myself. I am a late bloomer, per se. All along, these contributed to where I am now.

I was to become a Louisian student in the Cordillera back in 2020. However, the COVID-19 pandemic happened. Considering both the pros and cons between SLU and UNP, the latter, my now alma mater, sits closer to me. I remember telling myself multiple times before that it is not entirely about the school you choose but how you, as a student, become responsible for your studies. With the tuition fee as the deal breaker of my college journey at Baguio during online classes, I ultimately trudged on to the path of the school clothed with the green, blue, and gold colors as this was the same school my mother and aunt attended for their undergraduate degrees.

Along the way, I can say that my journey towards my graduation smoothly sailed partly because of the privilege I have. There were rough patches I encountered, too. Yet, it contributed towards the end of my undergraduate period when I claimed my Latin honor as Magna Cum Laude and 2024 BSSW Batch Valedictorian.

As early as being a first-year student, I already researched possible review centers for me to enroll in because I believe that nothing beats preparation. At that time, options were limited to the ones located in the Visayas or Mindanao regions. I told myself, “My family and I still have time to save money for my review.” I say this despite my privilege because me and my two other siblings are still studying at that time, which, for my mama, would be quite difficult to subsidize alone. One sibling is in a private college (SLU), and the other is about to become a college student too in the same private institution. Fortunately, my preferred center opened a branch in Manila just this year.

It was not easy during the review season. Being away from home reinforced my abilities to become an independent person without much reliance on them except for morale support. I think the belief that growth and success happen beyond my comfort zone is what really pushed me to arrange my accommodation, allocate my monthly allowances, and review schedules for three months before my licensure examination. The fear of missing out on the best options out there has also pushed me to make up my mind, pack my things, and live in an environment I am not accustomed to. Also, the support of my beloved municipality, the town of Santa, became elemental during my review. Their understanding and support allowed me to renounce for the mean time some responsibilities requiring my presence as a PPSK President.

Along the way, I was brought back to one of my reasons why I decided that social work is my priority course. That is, the clients we are about to serve as social workers motivating me to get that license. This is for the fact that our country needs help in decreasing corrupt practices, promoting social justice, and being a true advocate for the poor and marginalized. Lastly, my drive to achieve my aspiration to become one of the topnotchers has been strongly tied to my family. This triumph was theirs to begin with. My family deserves to be given a life the same as the life they have given to us, my siblings and cousin. At the end, I was not wrong when these combined motivations bore positive results.

I encountered a lot of lessons, all of which are equally important, but one really stood out. There is no exact formula for becoming a topnotcher. Perhaps having the right character and mindset has come a long way in boosting my chances to become part of the 2024 SWLE topnotchers. Anyone can do it too, if one has good study habits and are aware of your “why.” While it is a fact that in life, not everyone is afforded the same opportunities, knowing how to make the best out of your situation and resources will not fail you. The more you do your rightful role or part in your licensure journey or even in your other undertakings, the more the Almighty hears and sees your fervent silent prayers. After all, the pencil and paper you will use in the board exam cannot shade and identify the right answers without you as the thinker and doer. Thus, the result of whether you pass or fail the exam mainly lies on you yourself.

As early as now, build good study habits and summarize the lessons you have encountered by creating flashcards and questionnaires in a multiple-choice format. Do not throw away your notes. Rather, keep and organize them. One last lesson that I would like to emphasize is that the board exam is just the means for us to be legitimately recognized as part of the working force of helping the marginalized sectors. As unconventional as it may sound, passing the exam prepared by the PRC Board of Examiners should not be our main goal. Our license is just our passport to become an instrument in enabling our clients’ functioning, and that should be our bottom goal. Nothing more and nothing less. Never forget the reason why you keep on going in this initial process of becoming a professional.

To UNP, which was my home for four years, yabrasak iti nabara a panagyaman for all the experiences I had. I do not regret choosing this school for my undergraduate degree. At the same time, to everyone in our academic community, I wish that as we gain recognition because of this exceptional achievement, may we now also see the essence of the social work profession gradually giving justice to our University mission and vision. The diverse courses we are studying and/or teaching are of the same importance since we are all partners in facilitating the development of everyone. After all, we are a community with a substantial role to fulfill. Once again, thank you, UNP, for equipping me with the right knowledge, attitude, and skills. I am proud to say that I am a product of this institution, and I am a UNPian.