On January 10, 2026, I received an email that felt like a quiet answered prayer. I was admitted to the Diploma in Mathematics Teaching (DMT) program under the Faculty of Education at the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) for the Second Semester AY 2025–2026.

I was happy. I took a screenshot right away so I could keep it. Some emails you just want to remember.

A dream that started late, but became real

I first dreamed of UP during my college days. To be honest, I did not even know much about UP when I was in high school. Information in our municipality was not that strong back then. If I only knew earlier, I would have applied and taken the UPCAT. That is something I think about sometimes.

But God has His timing. I may have learned about UP late, but I am grateful that the door still opened.

The stressful parts (TOR and the module)

The admissions process was not smooth from the start.

The biggest stress for me was the Transcript of Records issue. My university could only issue my TOR with the remark “For Reference Purposes Only,” and UPOU considered it invalid as a transfer credential. When I read that update, I felt the pressure immediately. Paperwork can delay even the things you prayed for.

There was also the DE Readiness Module (DERM). I was busy, and fitting it into my schedule was not easy. But looking back, those two struggles taught me something I needed. Time management. Multi-tasking. Discipline. I was rushing requirements more than once, but God carried me through each step.

The people who helped me get here

Two of my recommenders were my Principal and the Dean of the college in UM Digos where I part-time. After I got admitted, I messaged them. I wanted them to know, and I wanted to say thank you, because their support mattered.

Seeing my UP student number and UP email

Seeing my UP student number and later my official UP email made it feel real. It was joy, yes, but it also felt like responsibility.

I was also genuinely happy about the practical side. Having an official UP account means access to academic subscriptions and resources, including databases like Scopus. For someone who loves research, that is a big deal.

Why I chose to enroll now

My first goal in the DMT program is simple. I want to become a better teacher.

At the same time, I am still praying about the long-term direction. I have been torn between pursuing a PhD in Applied Mathematics, Data Informatics, Mathematics, or Mathematics Education either in UP or abroad. I do not want to rush that decision blindly.

But I also did not want to be idle and just wait in vain. Instead, with the guidance and allowing of the Lord, I took a step that will strengthen me either way. I believe this program will help me grow, clarify my calling, and prepare me for what comes next.

A beginning, not a finish line

Getting admitted is not the end. It is the beginning.

I am grateful. I am excited. And I want to take this seriously, because this is not just about a name or an email address. It is an opportunity to learn well and serve better.

Thank you, Lord, for opening this door.

“God’s timing may feel late to us, but it is never late. When the door finally opens, it is not just a reward. It is a responsibility.”