CEBU, Philippines - After choosing work over school, Jeffrey Barce never thought of pursuing his studies.
But after seven years of being employed, the now 29-year old graduate of University of Cebu decided to accept the offer of a younger sibling to assist him in finishing a degree.
Barce now considers this as one of his best decisions and last March 26, he landed second in the Mechanical Engineering Board Examinations with an average of 93.7 percent, along with a student from De la Salle University-Manila, the same school that produced this year’s first placer with an average 93.95 percent.
With only a point difference from the first placer’s score, Barce said that he could have done better.
But he said that finishing a degree is already a big accomplishment.
“I never thought of going back to school,†admitted Barce who stopped after finishing just one semester of his BS Mechanical Engineering course.
But after years of working, the native of St. Bernard, Southern Leyte, said that he decided to accept the offer of his younger sister to help him pay for his studies.
Barce said he was challenged and took his studies more seriously.
Engr. Benedict Banquil, UC Engineering Department Dean, said that they always send Barce to represent the school in quiz bowls and he never fails to get the top prize.
Barce said that the quiz bowls have helped him a lot in the board exam since he was able to hoard a lot of information for the past years.
As an added help, Barce said that he always calls his wife before studying so he can also hear the voice of his nine-month-old child.
Barce’s family is currently in San Fernando, Cebu.
Barce said he is still undecided where to work but he is certain he will stay in the country.
On the other hand, sixth placer Leo Cocoy Nahid, also a graduate of UC, said that his preparation included frequent visits to churches like the Birhen sa Simala in Sibonga, Basilica del Sto.Niño and Sto. Rosaro Church.
Nahid, a native of Marinduque said that his brother who is a seaman supported his education.
He has yet to inform his brother while his parents cried upon knowing that did well in the board exam with a 90.15 average.
He has stopped schooling for a year due to financial constraints but Nahid said that he was always determined to finish his studies.
After a year of working at a government office, Nahid said that he decided to go back to school after having enough savings.
Both topnotchers will get a reward from the school, said Engr. Banquil.
Banquil added that they are consistently strengthening their engineering department in line with the continuous demand for engineers in the country and abroad.
Although they do not dictate their students where to work, Banquil said they encourage students to practice their profession in the country. — (FREEMAN)