09/06/2019
“Part-Time Student, Full - Time Christian”
Growing up in a Christian Family gives me so much pressure to accomplish things beyond what is expected of me. I grew up in the idea of putting God on top of my priority above anything else, which became a burden to me because I did not understand the true meaning of it.
I am second of the seven siblings ( yeah, I know we are a big family) which give me so much responsibility to be responsible on my studies to be of help to my parents and siblings someday. (Filipino Culture)
I remember when I was in elementary, the idea of going to college gives me so many chills and fear that I cannot grasp the concept.
The only college that I thought of going to is MSU-IIT not only of its prestige, but it’s the only thing my family could afford. (which I am not embarrassed of)
I went to High School...
I went to a private school for my secondary level.
FF.
I am on my fourth year when our adviser announced that the MSU-IIT entrance exam is now available and ready for taking. So I immediately filled the form without having second thought because I know it is where I am meant to be. (or it is where I hoped I would be)
The entrance exam is fast approaching, so my classmates and batch-mates are so busy and anxious in studying and reviewing for the exam, but here I am so relaxed and confident that I can make it.
The day of the exam came...
When the day of the exam came, it hit me so hard that I realize I am not prepared for it. Fear and doubt immediate took place on me that all the “what if” came and I even started thinking of “reasons” and “alibi” if I were not to pass.
My situation got worse after the exam because one thing I am sure is that “I AM NOT SURE IN ALL OF MY ANSWERS.”
The day of the result came.
When I search for my name to see the result, I was literally shaking. And there it was “I DID NOT PASS”
I was so embarrassed that I stood up and acted as if I can handle it. But my heart was shattered into disappointment.
But... I did not settle for that.
I said to myself, “I have to try.”
So I went to MSU-IIT the day of the enrolment without knowing what to do, where to go, who to talk to. But I was so determined that I know somehow I will get through.
For the record, I spend the whole week going to MSU-IIIT back and forth and seeking, begging, asking the different department to receive me to give me one slot and promise to do my best. But it did not turn on how I pictured it to be.
So it’s now the last day of the enrolment, and I finally “GAVE UP.” So I went home, cried, and cried and prayed and then cried and then change my plans immediately.
Then, my phone suddenly rang. A friend (who is now my boyfriend) informed me that one department lowered their scores to entertain passers with those scores, which I am qualified. Even if the day was almost over, the enrolment is about to close, I immediately went straight to MSU-IIT and got enrolled that day.
I did not understand what to feel, what to say, or what to think I was just full of joy that I cannot comprehend.
Looking back, I spend the whole week relying on my strength and capacity, yet God took only an hour to break that record and prove to me that He is much greater.
My mission began.
I then promised Him that I would offer my entire college days to Him. I gave my word that in everything I will do or anything I will decide, He will be the top priority. I promised that there would be no activity in school or requirements in my study that will hinder me in serving Him. I promised that the ministry He entrusted me in the church will never be my second priority. I promised Him that the school in which He sent me would be my mission field sharing His word, the truth, and His gift of salvation.
So I started having bible study (life group) in the school. Even if it has been a big challenge for me because we have different schedules and classes. Yet God always make way because we have the will.
That’s why most of my disciples are from MSU-IIIT. Because we share the same struggle and victories it has been my advantage in reaching out to them. I invited them to church to grow. And now Glory to God ALL OF THEM ARE NOW LEADERS! Shoutout to all my disciples who have been doing the same thing 💕 Love you giiiirls my Frontliners Network!
But during my five years in MSU-IIT that promised has been challenged. There are a lot of temptations, compromising, offers I have to decline, things I have to sacrifice and things I have to say NO or YES.
But despite all that, I experienced favor. When I say favor, what I mean is “exceeding" favor, like classes suspended because I prayed for it, exams canceled because I haven’t studied, teacher did not show up because I was absent, deadline extended, teachers to be late because I am running late and so much more because I trust in Him.
I may not have the titles and awards I expected to achieve, but I gain the title I was seeking the most, and that is to honor and keep my promise to Him who granted me this opportunity, who sustained me so that the time I spend on my mission field became fruitful.
That is why all of the Christians I meet. I always share to them the secret on how I manage my time at school and my activities and responsibilities in the church. All because I offered it to Him. I gave Him the full control of my study and my ministry.
So I challenge all the believers who are reading this, who share the same burden and passion like mine, torn in between study or ministry.
I can only say...
“YOU CAN DO BOTH”
To bless your parents by obeying them and honoring God in all occasions in our life.
So I offer this victory to God alone and to my family who have been my constant support.
To the the people who help me during my studies, (can’t mention everyone) to my Open Heavens Poblacion Family who always pray
for me, my friends from different college (HRM Squads) who never left me and encourage me (even if na behind ko) and to the people I met in CED who help me and became my family. Thank youuuu 💕
I hope you are blessed and challenged in this testimony.
“But seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
- Matthew 6:33
Angel Mae P. De la Torre
BACHELOR OF SECONDARY EDUCATION
MAJOR IN
TECHNOLOGY LIVELIHOOD EDUCATION (BSE-TLE)
Batch 2019 👩🏻🎓
facebook acc -->> https://www.facebook.com/angelmae.delatorre
