Learning without borders at Miriam College

MANILA, Philippines - Janette Plantado-Descallar, 45, married and with three children, currently works as family and life co-ordinator at the Catholic Diocese of Novaliches. Despite trying to maintain a healthy work-life balance, she is taking up her BS degree in social work and hopes to complete it in a year or two.

23-year-old Marian Katrina Donato works as an executive assistant at the Supreme Court, but is now about to complete her AB communications course, which was interrupted during her senior year.

Working as processing executive at HSBC Global Resourcing, 28-year-old Jorel Sy is currently pursuing AB communications, which got stalled midway in his college life.

They are among the hordes of professionals and workers who, despite being gainfully employed, still see the value of earning that elusive college degree in the midst of their careers.

According to statistics, there are a growing number of college students who fail to finish their schooling due to poverty, early employment, early marriage and other family circumstances. Dropping out of school deprives them of that all-important college diploma which is often the passport to gainful employment and a brighter future.

And now, the good news. Undergraduates can now get a second crack at that degree with Miriam College’s Professional Program. The trailblazing program is a response to the needs of the growing number of people who want to finish their schooling, and who need help balancing schooling and other responsibilities.

“I wanted to reinvent myself and upgrade my work-related knowledge so I will be become more competitive and effective,” says Descallar who is currently enrolled in the program.

She used to be a working student, but stopped schooling when her company shut down. She then got into the trade union movement and decided to go full-time in volunteer work. She decided to pursue her own studies when one of her children completed college.

The Professional Program aims to help provide busy adult learners the opportunity to complete their schooling and earn a college diploma. This also goes for professionals who got employed early in their lives, but still feel the need for a college degree.

It is also tailored for professionals who want to pursue advanced degrees to earn promotions within their line of work.

“Miriam College is committed to helping busy adults achieve their educational goals amid the demands of work and family life. Anchored on the premise that learning is a lifelong process, it espouses continuous growth and development for individuals who are not part of the formal workforce such as homemakers, volunteers, and early retirees,” says Miriam College president Dr. Patricia Licuanan.

She pointed out that the school uses a blended learning strategy that combines the accreditation of earned credits in college, the equivalency of work experiences and distance education through online learning complemented by occasional face-to-face sessions.

“Students of this non-traditional program are given the chance to earn a degree from Miriam College, a prestigious institution of higher learning, where they can study without sacrificing work or family commitments,” Licuanan added.

She said that its academic offerings are responsive to the needs of the adult student, with its flexible nature. Accomplishments and acquired expertise in the field of work are granted equivalent weight in academic credits.

Five degree programs are initially offered: AB Communication Arts, BS Entrepreneurship, BS Social Work, AB Psychology, and BS Environmental Planning and Management, with more in-demand courses to be offered in the future.

The program is open to high school graduates at least 22 years old who would like to complete their undergraduate diploma or earn a second degree but cannot attend regular classes due to various constraints.

Descallar said her “second wind” in school has uplifted her self-esteem and confidence, and she finds great pride in balancing her family, work and studies.

She adds that going back to school may be challenging, but her scholarship grant from Miriam’s College of International Humanitarian and Development Studies helped her earn more later.

For those who feel they are too old for school, she has this to say: “Age does not matter in pursuing your dreams because life must go on. Perseverance and passion is important in achieving a college degree.”

For more information on the program, call 435-3504 or e-mail mvillano@mc.edu.ph or visit www.mc.edu.ph.