Felecissima Edith R. Leyesa: 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 Felecissima Edith R. Leyesa

We delve into the experiences and insights of a successful SPLE (Special Professional Licensure Examination) passer. Felecissima, who has faced various challenges, shares valuable lessons and strategies for preparing and excelling in the exam. This serves as an inspiration for anyone aspiring to achieve professional success through determination, hard work, and faith.

Here’s an up close and personal interview with Felecissima Edith R. Leyesa:

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

In response to the news of passing the board exam, she expressed extreme happiness.

Have you received such recognition before? Please give details.

No, I she hasn’t received such recognition before.

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

She holds a job as a teller in an exchange company in Kuwait, where she has been an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) for seven years.

Who do you attribute your success to?

She attributes her success to her family and finds inspiration from her late father, who passed away in January 2023.

Who has inspired you to take up SPLE?

She found inspiration from her late father, who passed away in January 2023.

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

Upon the board exam passing, her family expresses overwhelming joy and surprise, as she hadn’t informed them about taking the exam.

To what extent was TSOK helpful in your success story?

Recognizing the significant role of TSOK in her success story, she emphasizes the organization’s invaluable support, especially from Ma’am Nova, which facilitated the application process amid the challenges of working simultaneously.

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

Her future plans include returning to the Philippines to pursue her dream of becoming a teacher.

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

While the SPLE marks her first licensure exam, she does not have immediate plans for other exams, although she may consider pursuing a master’s degree in the future.

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

Don’t lose hope; dedicate your time to pursuing your dreams and put in extra effort in your review.

How did you know about the SPLE?

Discovering the SPLE through social media.

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

I initially applied after graduating, but I didn’t succeed in the exam. I thought it might not have been the right time. However, in February 2023, I learned about the SPLE happening in Kuwait in April. That’s when I decided to inquire and apply. I’m thrilled that I did.

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

Expecting the SPLE to focus more on classroom management and the teacher’s role, she notes differences from college entrance exams that assess general knowledge and abstract reasoning.

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

I found solving questions easier.

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?

During her preparation, she found solving questions to be relatively easier and attended Sir Melvin Buracho’s YouTube channel for review, particularly for the general education portion.

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

Significant portions of her reviewed material appeared in the exam, particularly in the general education section.

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

Her preparation spanned from February to April 2023, with a dedicated daily study routine of 2-3 hours after work.

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

Spending almost 10,000 pesos on preparations, including the review, she deems it well worth the investment.

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?

Yes, I dedicated 2-3 hours every day to studying after work.

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

Balancing work and review, she studied before sleep from 10 PM to 12 AM, effectively managing her time.

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

Despite the demands of the SPLE preparation, it did not significantly affect her time with family and work, thanks to efficient time management.

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

She implemented strategies to reinforce her understanding, including allocating specific study hours, completing each topic before moving on, and periodic reviews.

What difficulties did you face in preparing for the exam?

While managing time was crucial, she faced stress a month before the exam, managing it through prayer and self-belief.

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

About a month before the exam, I felt stressed, thinking about how to complete my studies. To manage this stress, I turned to prayer and self-belief, reassuring myself that I could do it.

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

I avoided procrastination by reminding myself of my father in heaven, who is my motivation. Achieving this dream was also his wish for me. When he passed away in January 2023, I felt a deep sadness. I promised myself that I would give my best effort to pass the exam, making my father proud. In February 2023, when I learned about the SPLE in Kuwait through a Facebook page, I decided to take the examination. Thanks to my determination, I succeeded.

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

Adequate preparation is essential, especially for board examinations. It’s a challenging process. I can confidently say that I was well-prepared because I dedicated my time and effort to this opportunity.

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

She felt nervous during the exam.

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

Despite the odds she relied on the prayers and support from her family, this gave her the strength to continue and pass.

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

Yes, I frequently searched for tips and guides on YouTube channels, such as how to shade the answer sheet. They were highly effective and provided valuable insights.

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

Your work

It has given me the confidence to apply for jobs that match my profession.

Your life

Passing the board exam has the potential to transform my life by opening up new opportunities.

Your family

It can provide financial stability and support for my family.

Yourself

This achievement is a source of pride for me, and it’s something no one can take away. It signifies a significant personal accomplishment

This interview provides a detailed account of Felecissima Edith R. Leyesa’s journey to passing the board exam, offering insights into the challenges and motivations that led to her success.