UPCAT Anniversary

It has been a year since I took the UPCAT. Since yesterday, I've been recalling my experiences on the day I knocked at the gate of the university, hoping that I would be given the chance to cross the threshold and eventually enter the so-called premiere state university.

Whenever I see Malcolm Hall, I can't help but remember my UPCAT experience: from walking in the rain (with an umbrella, of course) wearing my favorite shirt, a jacket, denim pants and rubber shoes, bringing the things I need for the 5-hour exam, meeting Val in the lobby, the extreme nervousness I felt, the tears that almost fell out of fear, everything. And how can I forget the manner by which I answered the test: relying on my instincts most of the time, and praying to God that I'm shading the right circle.

When the test was over, I, together with Val, Jade and Krizia, went out of Room 209 (or was that 207?). I was greeted by my parents outside, and when they asked me how the test was, I answered, Hindi na 'ko papasa!

After that day, every night, I prayed for a miracle. Lord God, please let me pass the UPCAT. Please let me go to UP. For months, that was the first thing I utter in my prayers. I even bargained. I told God that it's okay if I would not be granted exemptions for the final exams, as long as I would pass the UPCAT.

For every misfortune I encountered in school, I always bore in my mind that maybe, the blessing I would get out of that was a good news regarding the UPCAT. And indeed, it was true! I'm now in UP!

Yes. I'm now a UP student... and so what? That doesn't guarantee my stay in UP. Would I finish my course in four years? I hope so.

Before I entered the university, I planned to really do well in my studies. I also planned on joining orgs and being busy with the extra-curriculars. However, in the past weeks, I realized that I've been too busy with the extra-curriculars. I wasn't devoting quality time to my acads, which should be my number one priority.

Tomorrow, I have an exam in Geology 1. I've been "reviewing" yesterday but nothing sticks to my mind. Have I forgotten how to study? Then, on Tuesday is my English 11 midterms. It will be an essay type of test: 5 questions, 20 points each, a total of 100 points, passing grade is 70. Can I handle it? Can I answer the questions correctly? I hope so.

Being a UP student entails a lot of responsibilties, and at the same time, challenges me to get out of my comfort zone. The university is packed with meaningful experiences waiting to be grasped by the iskolars. And I am one of those iskolars. I feel so blessed to be given the potential to go great lengths. I know I can do it. I believe I can.