‘Going back to school is the best decision I have ever made’
I was inspired by Sharon Cuneta to go back to school and finish my college degree. I found out that she went back to school through the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU). And so when she guested at Walang Tulugan, the show which I co-host with Kuya Germs, I took the opportunity to ask her about it. The next day, I logged on to its site and this is what I found out.
The University of the Philippines Open University was established on
Specifically, the UPOU provides quality, higher and continuing education to Filipinos through distance education. Its mission is to give its students formal qualification, as well as to develop in them the discipline and capability to become lifelong learners who are at home in today’s knowledge society.
Aside from completing the application form and submitting other requirements, I had to take the Ugat — the Undergraduate Assessment Test. The Ugat is designed to assess both the applicant’s scholastic aptitude and capability to undertake independent learning.
It was 1982 when I was last in school and so I had to do a lot of reviewing. My son’s tutor suggested I buy a reviewer at National Bookstore. I chose the one that had Math, Science and
After weeks of reviewing and by God’s grace, I passed.
I was so happy and honored because I passed the exam of UP. It’s a dream come true! Wow!
I had always wanted to continue my studies but never got to do it. I couldn’t find the balance of rearing three children and having time to study.
So when I heard of UP Open University, which would allow me to study from home, it was the perfect solution. I could see myself being able to attend to my children’s needs and at the same time continue my education.
While they were at school, I would be home studying, completing my assignments. It took some adjusting on my part because aside from the books and handouts given, you only have yourself to rely on. Some subjects have face-to-face tutorials where you get to meet your classmates and teacher in a classroom but in some, there are none. The last two subjects I took last November had no face-to-face sessions. I only saw my classmates when I took my finals last March.
It is challenging as I have to discipline myself in reading the required lessons and submitting assignments on time.
The nice thing though about my going back to school is that my children are able to help me. Since they are so good with the use of the computer, I always ask them to assist me. That is the fun part for me. I am also studying like my kids. My children even reviewed me for my last two exams.
I feel so privileged to have this experience of involving my children in what I am doing. It makes my learning so much more meaningful.
I am currently in the Associate in Arts Program, which is offered to undergraduates who are qualified but not able to enroll in a regular residential type of studying because of individual circumstances.
After completing the AA Program, one can continue to a full-baccalaureate degree.
Aside from the Associate in Arts Program, UPOU also offers the following: Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia Studies, Post-Baccalaureate diploma program, Master’s program, Doctoral program and Non-formal courses and certificate programs.
I feel blessed and thankful that God has allowed me to go back to school so I can finish what I have set out to do.
Being a student at UPOU is one of the best decisions I have made. This distance education has allowed me to begin my journey of finishing my education and at the same time attend to my children and my career. This is UP’s wonderful gift to those like me who want to continue learning and still be full-time mothers and career women.
I look forward to my own graduation with my mom, my brother, my husband and my three children as my special guests.
(For more inquiries, you may log on to www.upou.org or call Carlotta Yoingco at 920-7117.)
(E-mail the author at babyjackster@yahoo.com)
