WHEN I passed the Licensure Exam for Teachers (LET), someone jokingly asked if I had any secrets to share. Truth be told, I had none — except, perhaps, an unshakable faith and a knack for staying calm under pressure. I’ve always approached exams the same way I listen to a Boz Scaggs tune — laid-back, easy, and trusting the rhythm of preparation (or the lack of it).
At 18, I decided to get my driver’s license. I started with a Student Permit, unaware that it required both a written and practical exam. By sheer luck and God’s grace—without resorting to a fixer—I passed both. The kicker? I hadn’t studied at all.
A similar story played out during my college days when I took the Civil Service Exam (Professional). While others buried themselves in thick reviewers, I skimmed through a cheap booklet I bought from National Bookstore—barely. Most of my time was spent juggling ROTC duties and joking around with the Majorettes Corps (chickboy kuno, char!). Still, despite the minimal effort, I passed.
Fast forward nearly a decade, and I found myself sitting for the LET. This time, the stakes were higher. Expectations from others mounted, and I pretended to study just to avoid raising eyebrows. On exam day, I breezed through each section, finishing hours ahead of schedule. By 4 PM, I was home, while others were still at the venue, visibly distressed.
The lesson here is simple: DON'T LET EXAMS STRESS YOU OUT.
Exams are important, but they shouldn’t push you to sleepless nights or emotional breakdowns. Your worth isn’t determined by passing or failing a test. In the grander scheme of life, exams are just tools—not destinations.
The qualifications I’ve earned—Driver’s License, Civil Service eligibility, and now a Teacher’s License—are achievements, yes, but they don’t necessarily dictate my future. I have a driver’s license, but my motorcycle is broken. I have a Teacher’s License, but I may never step into a classroom. Life is unpredictable, and these certifications are merely resources to navigate it.
To anyone feeling defeated after a failure: don’t give up. Failure isn’t the end—it’s part of the journey. If you fall short today, try again tomorrow. Let go of the pressure, and trust the foundation you’ve built through years of learning. Reviewing is meant to refresh you, not punish you.
And remember, success isn’t just about hard work—it’s about faith. The Bible says, “Zeal without faith is dangerous.” If you fail, don’t lose hope. Seek God, and find strength in the process.
I’ve often entertained the thought of topping these exams—a laughable notion given my laid-back approach. Years from now, when I take the Bar Exam, I’ll probably stick to the same strategy. (And perhaps, finally fail—haha!)
For now, I celebrate the fact that I passed the LET. Life goes on, and so do its challenges. Whether you’re preparing for an exam or facing a test in life, don’t let the pressure consume you. Stay balanced, trust the process, and have faith. You’ve got this.