My father was a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Mindanao and as his son, I once dreamt to be like him. That is why after I graduated from High School at Southern Christian College (SCC), I decided to choose Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering as my priority course at the University of Southern Mindanao, Kabacan, North Cotabato because in my High School days, I was really doing great in my computer subjects.
Unfortunately, not all stories have joyful endings. My dream to become a great engineer was ruined because I suck in Mathematics. Calculus was my horrible fiend. In those days, I thought USM was a wild arena. Also, I joined a fraternity, played online games (day and night), and partied too hard. Broken chains made me realize that there is total freedom at USM. I abused that freedom then failed most of my grades.
I realized that engineering courses are not meant for me. BSCpE is now a mere history and my “Ex-Lover”. So, in 2010, I decided to enter the realm of Bachelor of Arts in English (still in USM). Honestly, I love English especially Literature. At first, I was at my best because the only subjects I got in the first semester were Speech Improvement, Literatures of the World and the Philippines, and other minor subjects. Later on, in the second semester, things stirred up and the subjects were getting tougher and tougher, just like Mathematics. Plus, my father was diagnosed with bone cancer. The universe was really harsh to me at that time. I even lost my drive to go to school. I committed multiple absences and my instructors gave me INC grades. Then, these INCs became 5.0s and I became a member of the amazing world of Tambays (out-of-school youth) for almost 2 years.
In 2013, my head was hit by a huge rock and it made me grasp the fact that education is a must! With my own decision and with my family’s advice, I also realized that USM is not my sanctuary (peace!). Like a long lost lover, I found SCC, my beloved alma mater, and my new asylum.
Future Librarian and Information Scientist!
It is really true that if you want something, you should learn to love it. Aside from the fact that Library and Information Science is one of the priority courses of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), it is also a very interesting program. It is not just about librarianship; it is beyond that. It is about touching lives. It is an art that augments learning. It is a craft that promotes literacy among people.
Being a BLIS student of SCC was so exhilarating! Because of perseverance, I excelled in academics. I just want to acknowledge the exceptional Ma’am Sandra Lyn Quiñones, the Head of LIS Program and the Director of Libraries in SCC. She is the brain of this amazing domain. Without her and the whole LIS team, my journey towards becoming a librarian will come to an end.
Adding Extra Spices
Focusing on academic aspects is boring. I think, as a college student, you need to spice up your life by joining some extra-curricular activities. You know, not all can be learned inside the classrooms (and I know this a cliché). You need to go out to eliminate some nerves and go beyond your limits.
SCC is really the perfect milieu for students to express themselves and be the best that they can always be. I can attest to that. This great school revived my passion in writing. I became a Feature Editor of Southern Collegian (the official student publication of SCC) for two consecutive years and it made me appreciate that writing is already choosing! I was even elected as the Chairperson of College Editors Guild of the Philippines (Greater Cotabato Chapter) and that was so surreal! I became an officer of College Supreme Government and I was enlightened about servant leadership and social responsiveness. I got the chance to be part of the Torch 2016 (the official yearbook of SCC) and it made me apprehend that kinship is precious. I joined contests, inside and outside the campus, and I realized the real meaning of competition. I attended various seminars and workshops and I was informed and updated about the current trends and acquired life skills. I was also recognized as the Campus Journalist of the Year and received leadership awards. Outside SCC, I also joined several male pageants to support my other needs.
To SCC, my alma mater, you always have a noble place in my heart. You rocked my college life! To the significant individuals behind its strong foundation, I just want to thank all of you for making SCC the pride of every human heart! Ours is a great school, this Christian College!
More About Meh!
I finished my BLIS degree at SCC last March 2016 and successfully passed the Librarians Licensure Examination (LLE) in September 2016. Not to brag but I got a general weighted average rating of 86.15 and I almost top the LLE 2016!
I was a former Research Services Librarian and BLIS Instructor of SCC from November 2016 to September 2017. I also experienced working as the Technical Services Librarian (2017) and the Readers’ Services Librarian (2018) of Saint Michael College of Caraga, Nasipit, Agusan del Norte. Currently, I am working full-time as the BLIS Program Chairperson of SMCC. Last March 2020, I finished my Master of Library and Information Science degree at Lourdes College, Cagayan de Oro City.
Obviously, I have so much passion for writing that’s why currently, I am an enthusiastic blogger! I think I am an ambivert but I am so fun to be with (believe me!). I am a very passionate go-getter. I'll do whatever it takes just to get what I want! Ohhh...scary!
Honestly, I am a bit childish and an extreme online gamer. I also have my advocacies. I really wanna promote the love for blogging. I am also keen on promoting LIS as an awesome craft! As a BLIS instructor, I wanna make a difference by influencing and inspiring my students! I am LibrarJuan!
