Rebecca M. Alucitain: 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 Rebecca M. Alucitain

Rebecca M. Alucitain, 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 Rebecca M. Alucitain:

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

She was ecstatic upon receiving the news of passing the board exam, expressing overwhelming happiness and excitement.

Have you received such recognition before? Please give details.

She had received recognition during her college days for her participation in a dance group competition where they emerged as winners, receiving a plaque during their graduation.

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

She works as an assistant manager at NEXT Alshaya company in Kuwait and has been an OFW for 17 years.

Who do you attribute your success to?

She attributes her success to perseverance, emphasizing the importance of planning, time management, and staying focused on goals.

Who has inspired you to take up SPLE?

She was inspired by the opportunities SPLE offered, especially for aspiring teachers who couldn’t take the exam in the Philippines.

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

The reactions of her family were filled with joy, especially her mother, who encouraged her to teach and leave her job abroad.

To what extent was TSOK helpful in your success story?

TSOK played a crucial role in her success, providing professional guidance and support throughout the entire process.

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

Her plan for the future involves applying her profession, whether abroad or back in the Philippines.

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

This was her fourth exam, and now a Licensure Professional Teacher (LPT), she has no plans for further exams in the future.

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

Don’t give up. Be inspired, study, and maintain a positive attitude. Failures are not obstacles; they encourage us to be more optimistic and dream bigger.

How did you know about the SPLE?

She learned about the SPLE through the Philippine embassy’s Facebook page.

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

She decided to apply after graduation, initially facing failure but eventually deciding to take the exam after gaining the opportunity to work abroad.

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

She found the SPLE content somewhat similar to the old curriculum but noted that maturity made it easier to understand than college entrance exams.

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

Logical reasoning questions were the easiest for her.

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?

Yes, she attended CBRC and received guidance from Mr. Sir Melvin Buracho. YouTube served as an additional resource, providing valuable knowledge and aiding retention through practice drills.

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

Approximately 40% of the material she reviewed appeared in the exam.

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

She prepared for three months.

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

The cost of preparing for the exam was reasonable and 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?

She had a daily study routine, dedicating specific times in the morning, during commute, and before bedtime.

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

Balancing work and review involved dedicating specific hours to study each day and practicing drills regularly.

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

The SPLE did not significantly affect her time with family and work due to the support of her husband and her ability to fulfill responsibilities at work.

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

Her strategies included constant review and practice drills to better understand the material.

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?

She found it challenging to balance studying with sleep but forced herself to study despite the desire to rest.

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

While she experienced significant stress as the exam day approached, maintaining a positive mindset and recalling her preparation helped manage stress.

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

She did procrastinate at times, turning procrastination into a positive force by consistently reminding herself of the importance of passing the exam.

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

Preparing for the SPLE, or any exam, is extremely important to me. I had been longing for this achievement, and I believe it completes me as a person. I can confidently say that I was well-prepared because of my dedication to studying, consistent review, and the support I received from my review center.

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

I was excited, and in my mind, I kept thinking, “This is it! I can do it.” When I first saw the test questions, I smiled, and the rest of the exam was challenging, especially the problem-solving in mathematics.

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

Her strength came from thorough preparation, diligent studying, practicing drills, and continuous prayer throughout the process.

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

She relied on the guidance, tools, materials, and modules provided by her review center, and they were highly effective in helping her pass the exam.

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

a. Your work Passing the exam has the potential to enhance my career prospects and open up new opportunities in my field.

b. Your life Passing the exam fulfilled a long-held aspiration and contributed to a sense of personal achievement and satisfaction.

c. Your family My family takes pride in my accomplishment, and they have been supportive throughout my journey.

d. Yourself Personally, passing the exam has made me a better, more contented individual, and I feel a sense of completeness holding a professional license.