BukSU alumni share their paths to becoming topnotchers in the Licensure Exam for Teachers (LET)

Bukidnon State University alumni shared their paths to becoming topnotchers in the March 2024 Licensure Exam for Teachers (LET), highlighting their motivations, study strategies, and the philosophies that guided their teaching careers. Odessa Celeste Mae C. Casas, Glendemer A. Sumbalan, and Lhutes Khate Paano Malapad inspired from dedication, faith, and innovative approaches to motivate future teachers.

Their stories revealed the power of education and the importance of nurturing young minds.

Odessa Celeste Mae C. Casas

Coming from a family of educators, Odessa Celeste Mae C. Casas dreams to empower children with knowledge, inspire them to dream big, cultivate ambition, and nurture them into responsible citizens.

“I like to teach Math because it brings me back to my elementary years when I want to know about it but can’t understand the way I wanted. Today, I realize that there are ways to solve a problem and I want to impart it to my students,” she said. 

What was your reaction when you found out you were a topnotcher? How did you celebrate this achievement?

“I was extremely glad and surprised because I only asked and wished to pass the exam. When the result was out, someone called me on my phone and told me that I got the 5^th spot. After that, I went home to celebrate the success with my family and have dinner together.”

Were there any specific moments during your preparation when you felt confident you could be a topnotcher?

“Yes, there are times such as when we have our mock board exams, and I was included in the top 10. It was a small victory worth celebrating and a victory I want to share soon.”

What unique strategies or study methods did you use to prepare for the licensure examination?

“I used different methods during the review. I think listening to the lectures, discussions, and reading example questions to exercise my metacognition is at the top of my list. Second, I watched videos to add more knowledge, especially on gen-ed subjects. Third, I memorize important concepts in the form of writing, and I stay up all night sometimes if I need to. Lastly, I take the reviews required by our school and in the review center seriously and I think of it as my last chance to pass the exam. And above all, I seek God for help and guidance throughout my review. That’s the last key I had when things seemed difficult to handle.”

To what do you attribute your success in achieving such a high score on the licensure examination?

“KNOWING YOURSELF-This means recognizing that we have strength that needs to be maintained or improved and weaknesses that needs to be fixed or resolved. It’s all about knowing what your mind and heart needs to learn better.

TAKING RISK AND QUALITY TIME SPENT- We went to review early and got home late, some of us even had to work before or after the review, and some were far from their home just to attend the review session.

MOTIVATING ENVIRONMENT- I surround myself with people with strong and positive minds. There is a high chance to succeed when we hear a lot of affirmations, words of encouragement, and support from our family and friends.

FATE AND LUCK- All of my life, I was thinking how unlucky I am for not winning in a raffle or in a competition. Right now, I am pleased to how luck and fate favored me this time.

PRAYER. This experience totally proves that God does exist and seeking for spiritual guidance gives us the confidence to succeed in our battles.”

Can you share a particular teaching philosophy or approach that you believe will guide your career as an educator?

“Drawing on the philosophy of Gandhi, who believed that ‘What is really needed to make democracy function is not knowledge of facts, but right education.’ I believe that the changes in students and the environment right now make it even more crucial for educators to cultivate responsible citizens. This challenge made me realize how the right education would give big impact to our country.”

Can you share a motivational story or experience from your preparation journey that could inspire future teachers?

“How many cries does it take to pass or top the exam? Multiple times. How many moments have we tried to give up? Multiple times. How many prayers did we offer? Multiple prayers. How many stories can we talk about our journey? Multiple stories. But I think the most memorable experience I can share with inspiring educators is that hard work, luck, and fate to God are significant elements to succeed in any battle. What we want to become in the future, requires sacrifices, determination, resilience, and being hopeful.”

Lhutes Khate Paano Malapad

Deep in her heart, Lhutes Khate Paano Malapad knew she is called to become a teacher.

“I really enjoy teaching Math and Science, especially in grades 4-6. I find these two subjects challenging, and I like how students not only learn the different facts and concepts but also learn to appreciate the joy of exploring and problem-solving,” she said.

What was your reaction when you found out you were a topnotcher? How did you celebrate this achievement?

When my BUKSU Athletics Coach – Sir Laurence Labadan, messaged me, I did not believe him immediately until I saw the list of topnotchers posted by the PRC. I cried and told my parents about it; I was just with my father and brother cause my Mother was at work. I went to church in the afternoon, thanking and praising the Lord for granting my heart’s desire – to pass and top the LET.

Were there any specific moments during your preparation when you felt confident you could be a topnotcher?

My LET Journey was one of the most humbling experiences I had. The broadness of the subjects scares me every time I encounter new topics. As I contemplated how hard the exam was, I never stopped believing that nothing is impossible with God.           

What unique strategies or study methods did you use to prepare for the licensure examination?

Before our six-month intensive review started, I assessed myself and listed things that would help me learn comfortably and effectively. I also applied the different laws of learning, which I found very effective, especially in mastering concepts. Lastly, I built a habit of reflecting on my mistakes to address the areas I need to work on.

To what do you attribute your success in achieving such a high score on the licensure examination?

I often took practice tests to enhance my test-taking skills and acquaint myself with different questions. When I made mistakes, I studied them and asked for help from my co-reviewees. I was also mindful of the importance of eating sensibly and getting enough sleep to keep myself energized and focused.

Can you share a particular teaching philosophy or approach that you believe will guide your career as an educator?

Knowing the learners profoundly is one of the crucial tasks of the teachers to effectively address the needs that affect their learning and provide opportunities to enhance their unique talents and skills. It may sound impossible to know each one, but through continuous effort and collaboration, schools will eventually become more equitable and conducive to the holistic growth of all types of learners.

Can you share a motivational story or experience from your preparation journey that could inspire future teachers?

There were plenty of times when I doubted myself and experienced emotional breakdowns, but I also did not stop being kind and patient to myself. I allowed fear and faith to coexist and never stopped showing up, even on days I didn’t want to. My desire to become a professional teacher and be an instrument of God’s love, especially for children, fuels me to keep going. Indeed, knowing your purpose, self-discipline, and faith will gracefully mold you into someone you are destined to become.

Glendemer A. Sumbalan

Glendemer A. Sumbalan, believed her teachers in elementary to high school became the inspiration to pursue teaching. They served as role models.

“I am most passionate about teaching general subjects to young learners from Kindergarten to Grade 3. I am very much motivated to make learning fun and enjoyable for them,” she said.

What was your reaction when you found out you were a topnotcher? How did you celebrate this achievement?

“When I found out that I was a topnotcher, I cried so hard and hugged my mama since papa was at work. All I did was to say, ‘Thank you, Lord!’ countless times. To celebrate this achievement, my parents and I went to church to give thanks to God for the very unexpected blessing.”

Were there any specific moments during your preparation when you felt confident you could be a topnotcher?

“Honestly, I never felt confident that I could be a topnotcher. I did not graduate with flying colors, so aiming to top was not something that I considered attainable. Throughout those times, all I knew was that I need to do my best to make my parents happy and proud. I only asked God to help me pass the LET, but thankfully he blessed me with more than what I deserve and prayed for.”

What unique strategies or study methods did you use to prepare for the licensure examination?

I  listened to my body. I study when I am emotionally and mentally ready. Studying one area at a time is also important. I assessed myself to know which areas I am having difficulty with, and exerted extra effort on it. The best preparation I also did, was to ask God for guidance in every step of the way.

To what do you attribute your success in achieving such a high score on the licensure examination?

With dedication, discipline, faith, support from significant people, and by constantly reminding myself of how much I wanted to make my parents proud, I was able to survive my whole preparation journey.

Can you share a particular teaching philosophy or approach that you believe will guide your career as an educator?

I believe children learn best in an environment where they feel genuinely included and loved. The best thing that I can do as an educator, is to provide my young learners with fun and engaging learning experiences that are not only appropriate, but also memorable for them. My goal is to help them have not a just a simple classroom, but a second home. Not just mere teacher and classmates, but family.

Can you share a motivational story or experience from your preparation journey that could inspire future teachers?

I surrendered everything to God, and everything felt lighter. I learned to do my best, while praying for the strength and guidance that I need to survive the tough journey. I am not a highly intelligent person. All I got was my dedication and faith. If I ever made it to the Top 10, I know it was not me but Him. With this experience, I would like to remind future teachers to always keep your hopes high and faith strong. God works in the most amazing and unpredictable way. He can make everything possible, just trust Him. (BukSU-Information Unit)