Lorento Athens V. Ortiz: 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 Lorento Athens V. Ortiz

We delve into the experiences and insights of a successful SPLE (Special Professional Licensure Examination) passer. Lorento, 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 Lorento Athens V. Ortiz:

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

In response to the news of passing the board exam, he described the experience as nerve-racking, attempting to compose himself while on duty and expressing gratitude with a simple, ‘Thank you, Lord!’

Have you received such recognition before? Please give details.

He possesses prior recognition as a Registered Midwife and holds three Bachelor’s degrees in Nursing, Psychology, and a recent completion of a BS in Midwifery. Hopefully, this year Lorento plans to take the licensure exam in Nursing while currently enrolled at Saint Louis College, La Union, pursuing a Master’s degree in Education.

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

Employed as a Training Center Administrator and Education Coordinator at Kuwait Hospital, he has been an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) for over 10 years, previously engaged in Sales and Education roles.

Who do you attribute your success to?

The attributed success is dedicated to a life motto, ‘ESSEM QUAM VIDERI,’ a Latin phrase meaning ‘To be, rather than to seem,’ imparted by a brother during college years, serving as a mentor and best friend. Despite the brother’s absence, his influence remains etched in Ortiz’s heart.

Who has inspired you to take up SPLE?

Inspiration to undertake the Special Professional Licensure Examination (SPLE) stems from family and friends who believe in him.

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

Family reactions to the board exam passing were characterized as blissful and proud.

To what extent was TSOK helpful in your success story?

Highlighting the significance of the TSOK Family, Ortiz credits them for providing additional confidence and support throughout the entire process.

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

Future plans involve pursuing a master’s degree and aligning work with the Education Degree.

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

The current licensure exam is not the first forhim, having previously been a Midwife in the Philippines. Despite a failed attempt at the Psychometrician Licensure Exam, there are plans to take the Nursing Licensure Exam in the next year.

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

Never give up.

How did you know about the SPLE?

Awareness of the SPLE was gained through TSOK and a close friend.

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

The decision to apply for the SPLE was made after completing units in Education, with a three-year delay due to the pandemic.

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

The college entrance exam is easier than SPLE. In SPLE, you have to use your critical thinking skills, and you have to act as a Teacher more on application and real setting that is by the standard of a good and competent Teacher. The content of SPLE is based on the competencies a Teacher should have while an entrance exam is more on common knowledge.

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

Logical reasoning questions were deemed easier by Ortiz during 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?

Having attended a free review session conducted by CBRC for one month, Ortiz managed to balance the hectic schedule in the hospital and online classes for BS Midwifery.

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

During the exam, a significant portion of the General Education questions aligned with the review.

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

One month only via CBRC Free Review in partnership with DOM.

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

Php 2k plus for the PRC and 25KD for Incidental Fee.

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?

Maintaining a daily study routine, Ortiz dedicated early mornings and late nights to study.

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

Time management and proper sleep. If you feel tired and your not in the mood, don’t force yourself.

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

It did not affect me at all. I just added one moth review to my daily routine. Extra 1-2 hours daily. You have to set goals and stay focused if you want to achieve something.

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

Study strategies involved incorporating breaks, listening to YouTube for relaxation, taking naps, and using mnemonics. Difficulty in managing time due to the one-month preparation period was acknowledged.

What difficulties did you face in preparing for the exam?

I watched YouTube videos and tried to simply terms in my understanding. I also used mnemonics which helps me a lot. Exam drills. One of the difficulties I encountered in preparing exam was lack of time. One month was not enough.

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

Stress management involved avoiding excessive pressure, conditioning the mind to accept the outcome, and maintaining a relaxed approach.

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

Acknowledging occasional procrastination, Ortiz countered it with focused time management and motivation, especially with only one month for review.

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

It is so important to prepare yourself before, during, and after the board exam. If you focus on your goal and believe in yourself, you can do it. Also, it is important to manage your anxiety levels so that you can concentrate on the examination day. I am not well-prepared because of the time; there are a lot of topics to read, and honestly, I didn’t tackle all the topics.

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

Remaining calm and relaxed during the exam, Ortiz aimed to stay focused on the questions and think about clue terms.

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

Strength during the exam was derived from prayers.

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

Lorento Athens V. Ortiz did not actively search for guides and tips during preparation but found a positive attitude and belief in personal capability to be beneficial.

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

Passing the exam has a positive impact on Ortiz’s life, instilling a ‘If you aim, you can do it’ attitude and benefiting work, personal life, and self.

This interview provides a detailed account of Loreto Athens V. Ortiz’s journey to passing the board exam, offering insights into the challenges and motivations that led to his success.