Journey of a "second-courser"

By FELICITO DIMZON III
YES, I am a second-courser.

Why did I choose PNTC Colleges as the best maritime school for my second course?

It all started when my aunt told me to take Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Pasay (now City University of Pasay). With a heavy heart, I grabbed the chance anyway just to attain the degree because my father could not afford to send me to school. Besides, it is better to spend my time in the four corners of the classroom rather than to stay at home and do nothing. I knew then, that my decision would be a burden.

During my first day, everything seemed the same as in high school. The only thing that changed was the fact that teachers are now called professors. I really did not like my course but thanks to my friends who helped me enjoy the entire task of finishing all requirements.

It was during my third year when students were allowed to select what major to take. I enrolled in the English major class. This time around, taking the major was again not my choice. It’s my friends’. But still, I was able to cope to the subjects; I enjoyed doing dramas, speech choirs, and reporting, among others. Though, for me, lesson planning was the worst activity to date.  I found it redundant—copying lessons from the book, transferring them to the lesson plan, and then, duplicating them to my visual aids. This made me feel sick.

My burden did not stop there. When I started my field study in a national secondary school, I observed the ideas and teaching strategies of my critic teacher. By then, I was really hoping to acquire everything that I learned from her so that when my turn comes, I would find it easy.

Later on, I was deployed in different high school around Pasay City. I handled four sections of third year class. What I initially considered a burden had become a nightmare.

Handling a class with 50 plus students was seriously a no-joke. I remembered when I was discussing a lesson, some students kept putting on make-ups, others bullied each other, while few shouted—like all of these were happening at the same space, at the same time; to a point you would not think you are inside the classroom anymore! It was more like of a public market.

The hardest part: doing the grades. I found it difficult to compute and pass students out of their least efforts. Parents kept coming in and out of the faculty room crying, begging and hoping for teachers’ kindest considerations to pass their children. As a student teacher, I did not know how to deal with this kind of situation.

I realized that being a teacher is not by choice. It is by destiny.

I graduated but unfortunately, I was not able to pass the Licensure Exam for Teachers. After that, I never tried to take another exam anymore. I really don’t know why but perhaps I shall wait for that moment when I can feel the “teacher in me” is ready.

I applied for a job not as a teacher but as a Test Development Assistant in Center for Educational Measurement in Makati. My job there was somehow related to my course. I evaluated test items and gave orientations to test proctors. One time I became an examiner during the National Medical Admission Test (NMAT). I worked there for two years. Then, I realized that I cannot establish my family in the kind of job I have.  I finally decided to go back to school and find another course which will give me my contentment.

I found myself wanting to become a seaman not just because most of my relatives are seafarers, but because I really want to become one. I inquired first in a maritime school where my younger brother is taking his course. I asked the registrar about the tuition and the subjects to credit from my Transcript. I was disappointed upon the advice that I should reserve the offered subjects because I might not be included once the students’ list is completed.

I kept on searching schools from hearsays to my actual legworks until finally my girlfriend mentioned about the school in Dasmariñas, Cavite. She also told me that the school has a branch in Intramuros, Manila. That very day we went to the school to inquire and set the schedule for my entrance exam. During my entrance exam, they gave me a handbook which explained the school’s mission, vision, and the curriculum.

I found the school very nice, the facility is good—every room is air-conditioned, the room is in great maintenance, and the tuition fee is “very friendly.” I never doubted that I enrolled at PNTC Colleges Manila. 

For me, PNTC Colleges is a remarkable institution that provides the students essential knowledge needed for their career advancement, opening windows of opportunities to grow as a leader.

The school is giving me an insight of my future. It helps me to be inspired to study harder, to bring out the best out of my best!

My professors are well-rounded people, easy be with and approachable whenever I need clarifications on certain lessons. There is too much to say about this school but I guess I would be too “bolero” if I continue writing.

It is up to you to experience! If you are searching for a maritime school that is competitive, with high educational standards and remains true to its mission, I believe PNTC Colleges is widely open for you.

To those who feel discontented about their first courses, please have the courage to know your path. It is never too late for education.

In the event you would like to take the maritime way—just to give you an idea, all I can say is that I’m simply happy and satisfied to where I am today.