A GROUP of recent high school graduates from Negros Occidental is navigating academic hurdles in college after being forced to enroll in unaligned degree programs due to the limited strand offerings in their senior high school.
Rowena Daquila, Ashley Oyog and Ram Allen Planella had set their sights on science-related careers. Daquila dreamed of becoming an engineer, Oyog aspired to become a biologist and Planella had long planned to pursue nursing.
However, all three had to take the Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) strand in senior high school because it was the only academic track offered at their school.
Now college freshmen, they are enrolled in science-heavy programs that typically require a Stem (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) background — civil engineering, biology and nursing, respectively.
Their experiences reveal the academic challenges that arise from a misalignment between senior high school preparation and college coursework.
“I was gaslighting myself into thinking it was fine to be a HUMSS student,” said Daquila, who is now taking up civil engineering at Carlos Hilado Memorial State University.
While she had some writing experience through journalism in grade school, transitioning to complex mathematical and technical subjects was difficult.
“I just study and study,” she added, emphasizing that despite the steep learning curve, she has no regrets. “Your course in college is something that will make you satisfied in the future. Taking a risk is better than doing nothing.”
Oyog, now taking up biology at Negros Oriental State University (Norsu), initially aimed for a nursing degree but shifted to biology, seeing it as a “pre-med” alternative.
“Coming from HUMSS, everything felt new and overwhelming,” she said. She’s now planning to transfer to a different course next academic year — Hospitality Management — hoping for a better fit. “Even if things don’t go according to plan, you can still grow and find your purpose along the way,” she shared.
Planella, who is also enrolled at Norsu under the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, admitted that while the academic load is intense, his interest in science and his long-time goal to become a nurse help keep him grounded.
“If I had taken Stem, I would probably have had more room to breathe,” he said. Still, he remains confident and committed to his path, noting, “You have to prioritize your passion as long as it’s within practical bounds.”
Their stories shed light on the systemic issue many students face in schools that offer limited academic tracks, often leaving them unprepared for the rigors of their chosen college programs.
The trio’s persistence reflects a broader truth: while passion can power students through tough courses, a well-matched educational foundation is crucial for long-term success. Maximiliano Villaflor Jr. / University of the Visayas