CHRONICLE: HOW DO I STRUGGLE TO BECOME MSUan
First of all, I am proud to say that I finished my high school in a school where you would never expect to pass the SASE (MSU's entrance exam/to avail scholarship when you get a highest score). I am not underestimating our school but actually this is the truth. It is not as good as other schools in the province of lanao del sur. But again, I am truly proud that I had finish my secondary here. And most of my siblings finished their secondary also in this school.
So when I graduated from elementary, I was given by my parents a choice whether to enroll in one of the schools in Marawi or they will just buy me a bicycle and study instead in my hometown Mulondo. Since I'm an obedient son, I choose a school where they cannot spend too much money. I decided to enroll in Mulondo National High School. They actually offered me to study in Dansalan College for my high school but then they have given me a choice also of studying in inged (hometown). In my entire high school days, I really study hard so that my parents would be proud. From first to third year high school, I was the first honor and the class valedictorian in my fourth year.
During my last year in high school, I really aimed to study in Mindanao State University as it is known as one of the best schools in Mindanao. This is also the cheapest school as well. I studied very hard to get a good score in SASE. Fortunately, yes fortunately because most of our batch got a below 50 scores. But fortunately I got 55, a good sign that I can study in MSU since 50 was the cut of score for College Bound Program that time.
During my graduation in high school, not to brag, but I received a various academic, and non-academic awards as well. I was the class valedictorian, best in english, scientist of the year, among others. I also awarded with leadership awards from President GMA and gold medals from senators such as Francis Pangilinan and Franklin Drilon.
Right after graduation, I enrolled in CBP together with my batch but unfortunately he was only allowed to enroll in technology, a 2-year course program. As far as I remember, we were only two I think who studied in MSU in our batch. It was batch Dodie who enrolled in Technology Program. Being MSUan is an honor and privilege. Not all students from all over lanao are given a chance to study here. But to me, I was so thankful when I was able to enroll for CBP knowing that my score is so low. 55 is not a bad score that time, still I can say I am proud of.
My CBP days were also fun, I was able to met students coming from different places. Most of our section are from ILS. As we go along, I tried my best to attend every day classes. I did all my best to be able to pass such CBP and be allowed to enroll in any 4-year course program of the school. Alhamdulillah. Fortunately again, I passed the CBP. I got a score of 70. That time, the cut of for 4-year course for CBP was 65. And Alhamdulillah, I'm lucky that I got enough score. Some of my classmates didn't make it. They didn't reach the cut of score. But MSU is giving a big chance to those who are deserving to study in MSU. Those who didn't pass the cut of score were also allowed to enroll for CPC, another six months preparatory course for college. Its like the CBP but differ only on the duration of classes, the CBP is only for two months whereas CPC is for six months.
Fast forward, I tried to enroll in the Nursing department because I dream of becoming a doctor of medicine someday but due to the high standard, I was not able to get in. I was frustrated when I knew that I couldn't enroll for my desire course. I don't have any choice but to find another course that suits me. I went to biology department, tried to inquire. Unfortunately I was not accepted too due to my lowest grades in science subjects during my high school. I was very frustrated, then I thought of enrolling in any course and planned to shift another course after a semester. Tried also in Political Science department but they also have a high standard in accepting freshman.
While I was walking on the covered walk going to comcent, I bumped into my batch in CBP and told me "Malin, miyaka-enroll ka? If hindi, try mo sa International Relations department, kasi roo kami ko mga ped ta sa CBP." I told myself to enroll in this department because I'm already exhausted going around every department asking if I reach their requirements. So, it went very smooth and fast when I enrolled in International Relations, no entrance exams. It was Sir Ayo who assisted me in my enrollment. He immediately accepted me. I don't know, may be because its already past 5 in the afternoon. Other enrollees of such department were required to take the qualifying exams. I have asked some of them. Accordingly, they were required to enumerate countries in Asia, Europe, America, etc. and to identify the capital city of every given country. Alhamdulillah. I got accepted immediately without such qualifying exam.
From then on, I choose to stay at the International Relations department rather than transfer or shift to another course. Some of my subjects would not be credited if I shifted to other program or course. I have loved my department when we got to our junior year. I thought of shifting during my sophomore year to education but then I got hesitant because of its effect to the subjects that I have finished. I feel like the 9-unit subjects that I finished would be useless if I shifted. Alhamdulillah. I'm not extended, I was able to graduate on time, after 4-year to be exact.
Throughout my college days, I studied very hard because I'm a bit nervous that I might get extended in MSU. Get extended meant to graduate after 5-7 years in college. Some really extended in MSU. I knew some who graduated after 7-8 years. But Alhamdulillah I was never extended. I graduated on time. I have thought to shift in other that time to other course/department but I felt lazy asking/pleasing other department to accept me. By the way, I enjoyed being an International Relations major. We were able to spent our internship in Department of Foreign Affairs-Main office. We had a chance to tour in different government agencies in Manila. Malacanang Museum and Library and different embassies to name some.