Aimee Apellido Tacio: Journey to Success in the Special Professional Licensure Examination (SPLE) 2023 Interview

April 2023 Special Professional Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers Board Passer: An Interview with Aimee Apellido Tacio

Aimee Apellido Tacio, a triumphant TSOK (Teachers Specialists in Kuwait) board passer, shares her journey of preparing for and conquering the SPLE.

Here’s an up close and personal interview with Aimee Apellido Tacio:

How do you feel about receiving the news that you passed the board exam?

She felt blessed and overwhelmed when she received the news of passing the board exam. On that significant day, she found herself in the Church, attributing her success to a divine presence.

Have you received such recognition before? Please give details.

She clarified that she had not received any licensure recognition before the recent board exam.

What is your job here in Kuwait? How long have you been OFW?

Currently serving as a Teacher Assistant in Kuwait, she has been an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) for an unspecified duration.

Who do you attribute your success to?

She attributes her success to the unwavering support of her family and special loved ones who believed in her abilities.

Who has inspired you to take up SPLE?

She drew inspiration from her family, friends, church mates, and Jun Ralph to pursue the Special Professional Licensure Exam (SPLE).

What were the reactions of your family to this board’s passing?

Grateful, her family reacted with gratitude upon learning about her success in the board exam. The news was unexpected, especially considering the five-year gap since her college graduation.

To what extent was TSOK helpful in your success story?

Acknowledging the support received, she highlighted the significant role of TSOK, particularly mentioning the encouragement and approachability of Ma’am Minnie and Ma’am Nova.

What is your plan for the future or your dream after passing this exam?

For now, her plan is to continue working in Kuwait. Looking ahead, she expressed a prayerful desire to settle down and resume her profession in the Philippines after 2 or 5 years.

Is this your first licensure exam? Do you plan on taking other exams, and what would it be?

This was not her first licensure exam; she revealed that it was her third attempt. The previous two exams were the LET exams in 2018 and 2019. While considering the possibility of more exams in the future, the specifics remained open-ended.

What message would you like to give to the upcoming board exam taker?

Isaiah 60:22 – “When the time is right, I the Lord will make it happen.” Always believe that God has a better plan for your life, and it’s not an accident that you are taking SPLE in Kuwait. Always do your part, take time to read if you have time, and listen to the instructions, especially during the exam.

How did you know about the SPLE?

Ralph informed her about the SPLE. Due to COVID-related postponements, the exam schedule shifted, and she considered it a providential gift on her birthday when she decided to take the exam.

When did you decide to apply: after graduation or after finding a job? Why?

She decided to apply for the SPLE after graduation, having faced two unsuccessful attempts at the LET exam. Her decision aligned with the opportunity for OFWs to take the SPLE, eventually leading to her success.

What did you expect from the SPLE regarding the content of the exam? How different is it from college entrance exams?

With an expectation of challenging content due to the five-year gap since graduation, she found the SPLE indeed challenging, encompassing a diverse range of topics.

What questions were easy to answer (e.g., solving, logical reasoning, abstract reasoning)?

She identified solving questions, particularly those involving basic math and factual information, as relatively easy in the exam.

Did you attend a review center? Which review center? (a.) If yes, how did it affect your preparation for the SPLE? (b.) If not, how did you prepare for the exam in terms of resources and review materials?

Attending the CBRC online review, especially for Prof. Ed, significantly aided her preparation for the SPLE.

How many of the things you reviewed appeared in the exam?

A considerable portion, not less than 50 items, of the reviewed material appeared in the actual exam.

How many weeks or months did you prepare for the exam?

She invested two months in preparing for the exam while concurrently working. The cost of preparation, including the review center, amounted to 90 KD, a value she considered worthwhile.

How much did preparing for the exam cost you? Is it worth it?

It cost 90 KD, including the review center. Yes, it was really worth it.

Do you have a daily study routine? (a.) If yes, what is your daily routine, especially the specific time you study? (b.) If not, how did you manage your time, especially for reviewing?

Acknowledging the variability in her daily responsibilities, she did not adhere to a strict routine but ensured consistent review and reading every week.

How did you balance your work and review? How did you manage your time?

As a teacher assistant, she found alignment between her daily lessons and review. Extra time was dedicated to reading whenever possible.

How did the SPLE affect your time with family and work?

She noted that communication with her family remained unchanged during the SPLE preparation, expressing gratitude for the seamless management of responsibilities.

Did you have any strategies in studying for the exam that helped you understand your notes better?

She adopted strategies such as reading and reviewing during receptive mental states, taking breaks for self-care, and relying on the motivation provided by classmates and friends.

What difficulties did you face in preparing for the exam? How did you better remember complex terms and lessons? Did you improve your memory in any way?

I faced a lot of difficulties, especially during the review period. Sometimes, I felt that my body was always tired and emotionally drained. With the help of my loved ones, they inspired me and encouraged me.

How stressed were you in preparing for the exam? How did you manage your stress?

I prayed to God and fully surrendered my stress. When I was stressed, I remembered that God always sent something or somebody to make me feel better.

Have you procrastinated on your review? How did you manage procrastination? How did you motivate yourself?

Actually, my classmates and friends from college were in the same house, so we managed to motivate each other.

How important is preparing for the SPLE (or other exams)? Can you say that you are well prepared? How so?

She emphasized the crucial importance of preparing for exams, asserting her confidence in being well-prepared through a focus on reading, rest, and maintaining a positive mindset.

How did you act during the exam? What were your thoughts during the exam?

She adopted a composed demeanor during the exam, engaging in prayer and maintaining a relaxed mindset while claiming success.

Where did you gain the strength that helped you pass the exam?

She drew strength from her faith in God and the unwavering support of her loved ones throughout the challenging preparation period.

Did you search for and use guides and tips in your preparation? How effective were they?

She actively sought and effectively utilized guides and tips as valuable resources during her exam preparation.

How did passing the exam benefit you in terms of your work, your life, your family, and yourself?

The success in the SPLE brought about significant changes in her life, particularly influencing her future trajectory both professionally and personally.