18/05/2026
I was just a regular student who liked technology. But had no idea how to create it, when I started studying Computer Engineering at ISAP. My growth in this field did not happen overnight; it began the moment I stepped into the engineering laboratory and sat down for my very first hands-on class. But I quickly learned that you don't need to know everything when you start; you just need the curiosity to learn, patience, and the willingness to try.
In the beginning, my mind was limited. I only thought about passing my subjects. But as the semesters went by, the department challenged me to stretch my capabilities, pushing me to bridge the gap between software logic and hardware implementation. Through patience and a lot of trial and error, I slowly learned how to step past the fear of making mistakes. There were heavy moments when the pressure felt overwhelming, and I silently cried at night, wondering if I could actually make it. With the guidance of our CITE instructors and prayers to God for strength, I went from just following step-by-step instructions to having the patience to sit down with an incomplete code, find the errors, and figure out how to fix it. Every breakthrough washed away the frustration and tears of the difficult nights. The biggest growth wasn't just in my grades; it was in my confidence. I learned how to trust my own brain to solve difficult puzzles/code, and that changed how I carry myself every single day.
This growing confidence pushed me to step out of my comfort zone completely. I didn't just stay inside the classroom; I became a student-leader in the department, learning how to handle responsibilities and guide my peers. At the same time, I challenged myself physically and mentally as a student-athlete, balancing sports and academics. Through the guidance of the CITE Department, I was able to handle the pressure of both responsibilities and somehow maintain my status as an academic achiever.
My experiences inside and outside the CITE Department gave me real, practical skills that I will use for the rest of my life. First, I learned how to think logically. The department trains you to look at a massive problem, break it down into small pieces, and solve it one step at a time. This logical thinking helped me in school, but it also helped me handle my daily life choices. Second, I gained real technical experience. I learned the actual skills needed to build systems and understand how today's technology works. Lastly, I learned the skill of adaptation. Technology changes every day, and CITE Department taught me how to learn new concepts quickly without panicking. My adaptation skills were truly tested when I moved away for our OJT. OJT wasn't easy, but it forced me to mature quickly. It gave me the chance to apply what I studied to real situations and taught me how to handle things on my own.
What truly helped me grow were the big opportunities the CITE Department opened up for us. Through international webinars, I was able to learn directly from global tech experts and understand where the future of technology is heading. Also, I was incredibly blessed to represent our department as both a participant and a contestant at the Regional Convention and National Convention(online). Meeting so many talented students from different schools and hearing from international speakers was a truly humbling experience. It made me realize how good God has been in guiding my steps. It made me realize that we aren't just students sitting in a classroom but part of a much bigger community of future builders.
If you are standing where I once stood—wondering if Computer Engineering or Information Technology is the right path for you—my advice is simple: take the leap.
Do not let the fear of difficulty hold you back. The challenges you will face here are not obstacles meant to stop you; they are checkpoints designed to upgrade your capabilities.
Trust the environment, embrace the challenge, and let ISAP-CITE Department build your future.
