A BS Math graduate ranked top 2 in the teacher’s board examinations, and his inspiring story would go viral, especially after he shared that he was raised by a single mom.
Choosing BS Math to Challenge Self
BS Math is one of the toughest courses in college, especially because many students struggle with the subject.
Vince William Almario Cabotaje also struggled with Math in high school, but he decided to challenge himself by taking the course in college. Sounds like a difficult plan, right?
“Originally, gusto kong i-challenge ang sarili ko noon kung makakaya kong mag-major sa math. Sa lahat ng mga in-apply-an kong college, laging mathematics course yung kinukuha ko para masukat din siguro yung kakayahan ko,” he told PEP.
“Ewan ko ba, gusto kong pahirapan ang sarili ko noon.”
Well, he actually made it! And after college, he was even able to rank as number 2 in the January 2022 LET (Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers) with a rating of 92.60%.
Vince completed his Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from University of Caloocan City back in April 16, 2018.
Raised by a ‘Wonder Woman’ Single Mom
Vince heaps praise on his Nanay Elsie, a single mom whom he considers as a ‘wonder woman.’ She’s also his inspiration and the source of his strength.
“Lumaki po ako na walang kinagisnang ama. Itinaguyod ako ni Mama na mag-isa lang siya,” he shared.
“Pag naiisip kong sumuko na, binabalikan ko yung dahilan kung bakit ako nagsimula. Alam kong si Mama ang dahilan ng lahat ng aking gagawin kaya kailangang lumaban at magtagumpay sa buhay dahil pangarap kong magbuhay-reyna siya sa hinaharap.”
An aunt helped send him to college, but due to financial difficulties, he learned how to tightly budget his money.
“Itinatago ko ang mga sobrang baon para makaipon kahit kaunti noon. Hindi ako naglalabas ng pera lalo kung hindi naman kailangan,” he added.
Finding Success
He wanted to become a teacher, but because he’s a BS Math graduate, he had to take units in professional education subjects.
He nearly lost hope when the board exams kept getting postponed due to the pandemic.
And when he was finally able to take the test, he was scared of failing because 1) he estimates that there were at least 30 questions that he just guessed the answers and 2) he couldn’t remember whether he was able to shade “Set A” on his test papers (that would make them invalid).
It was a big surprise when the results came in and he actually ranked in top 2!
He’s now working in a private school and also works on the side as a national lecturer at Carl Balita Review Center where he reviewed before taking the board exams.
Congratulations, Sir!
