How's My BSEd Journey Going?

What I realized as soon as I got here is that I do belong here. Of course, there are actual differences from my former degree, specifically with the courses I am taking and the style of teaching my professors are incorporating into our discussions. But, albeit the environment is new to me, I felt a sense of familiarity. The rush of epinephrine was there, and I just need to keep it going. Hopefully, these people and experiences that I am having and seeing right now will be with me until the end.

Surprise! It has been over three months since I started my journey to become what I actually want to be—become an educator; a teacher. To be frank with all of you, I never expected that much about this new path I took. I don't know why, maybe because BulSU already exceeded my patience and all the expectations that were left within me in the past months. But honestly, I like it this way. I feel happier, more productive, and best of all, more loved and accepted.

For this entry, let me share with you how my three months in this degree went and how I currently and continuously thrive despite the challenges (Yes, with emphasis.) that I face... aka the requirements.

A little background

If you aren't aware yet, I already shifted from Medical Technology to Secondary Education. I also transferred schools, which is truly strenuous. However, I won't make this topic any longer because I already made a post about it. (Just click here!) After some time, there are still adjustments—new policies and rules, new instructors and classmates, new courses to study, and new schedules. It is a joke if I tell you that I wasn't mum for the first two weeks in class. After all, everything is new, especially since it was also my first time after three years to return to actual face-to-face classes, so adjustments are surely made.

The Chronicles of an Irregular Student

Since I had my units credited, I do not have a full load like my other classmates. That is what makes me an irregular student since I have classes in other blocks. To tell you, I had a schedule of classes with sophomore BSEd - English students and even BSTM students with a General Education course. So just for everyone's understanding, here's my schedule of classes.

Subjects or schedules in green are online classes, while those in yellow are face-to-face classes. However, you may notice that every Thursday, I have two subjects that overlap the entire schedule. That is where modular learning enters. I had talks with my 2nd-year subject professor and we had agreed upon making my schedule for her modular so that I could have time with my other subject as well. To clarify that, the blue one is the subject I get to take through modular learning.

Now, to answer the FAQ for irregular students "What does it feel like to be irregular?," I could say that it is indeed stressful. On the other hand, I do appreciate the fact that I am an irregular student, too. Despite the hurdles I face as one, I also get the chance to meet people outside my designated block. I get opportunities to make friends and interact with them during and even after classes. The experience might be pressuring and exhausting, but trust me, it is worthwhile.

Going to a new home with a new "family"

"You must remember, family is often born of blood, but it doesn’t depend on blood. Nor is it exclusive of friendship. Family members can be your best friends, you know. And best friends, whether or not they are related to you, can be your family." — Trenton Lee Stewart, The Mysterious Benedict Society

The hardest task for a transferee, especially if one is an introvert, is to make friends. As an introvert, starting a conversation is actually one of my weaknesses despite the fact that people often compliment me for being a great communicator. It is laborious, per se. However, how would you be able to create good memories and get through stressful days if you won't make any friends? Yes, being independent is fun, but having friends, especially in college, isn't bothersome. It could be beneficial for you, too.

That's what I felt like entering STI. Despite having an MBTI of INTP and being avoided by the clouds of extraversion, I managed to make friends along the way. Unbeknownst to many, I do like my circle of friends just a little. I don't want a huge circle as that would only make me anxious and tired. Another, I had bad memories of detachment from friends, so you can say that it is quality over quantity.

STI had always made me and my shy ass more confident about my talents and skills. Along with that, I am surrounded by people who I consider my best friends. Ever since I was in Senior High, STI does help me conquer my fears in interaction—speaking in front of many people, participating in contests and competitions that I never participated ever in my entire academic life, and joining different organizations that helped maximize my personal growth and potential.

Beyond that are the people that believed in my skills and potential—teachers, friends, and classmates. I am grateful to have new friends as early as my first day in class. Everyone in my sections, whether it be BSEDENG - 2A or BSEDENG - 1A, has accepted me for who am I and has never failed to show support to each and every one. I feel so lucky to have these kinds of people around who are mature enough to understand our differences and are strong enough to conquer life's challenges every day. I am extremely proud.

A big shoutout to all my friends and classmates! If you reached this part, send me some regards. Love lots!

• To Venice, Mitch, Alyssa, and Vincent: Thank you for accepting me and showing your truest selves to me. I am truly blessed to have the five of you as my best-est (I am more than willing to bend grammar rules for you, guys!) friends. To more years for the five of us!

• To BSEDENG - 1A: It's just three months that passed but the energy! I hope that the energy we are radiating toward one another will never falter until the end. Laban hanggang dulo, padayon!

• To BSEDENG - 2A: For the first class that accepted me as their classmate, thank you very much. It is such an honor to be with people who are passionate about their craft. Padayon sa atin!

What has BSEd taught me?

To be honest, it was just after I took my preliminary examination that the thought that I am finally a BSEd student sank in. But what I realized as soon as I got here is that I do belong here. There is no sense of confinement—I feel free and happy almost every time. All I think is that the rush of epinephrine was there, and I just need to keep it going. I just need to get along with everyone and with what we are doing. Taking it easy, as many of us say.

Of course, there are actual differences from my former degree, specifically with the courses I am taking and the style of teaching my professors are incorporating into our discussions. Medical Technology and Education are two different fields. Comparing the two feels like comparing sinigang to adobo. But to be honest, albeit the environment is new to me, I felt a sense of familiarity. It just feels like, you know, everyone around you is comfortable to be with and accepting. There were no stages of longingness, just a few days of adjustments and you can go ahead already.

Being in this degree makes me feel alive. This feels like I made the best decision of my life, jokes aside. Hopefully, these people and experiences that I am having and seeing right now will be with me until the end.

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If you reached this part, thank you for reading this post! Just like the last time, I don't know when would I post next. Maybe it would be next year already. But rest assured that I will try my best to post whenever I am free. Before I leave, here's a song from Taeyeon that I really love, and I hope you all would like it. See you next time, love lots! <3

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