Testimony by: Jessa Jean T. Flores

Magna Cum Laude

Top 5, November 2024 Foresters Licensure Examination

CABATUAN, Iloilo – Growing up my childhood years in Brgy. Gaub of this town. I had no idea that a Forestry course even existed. In elementary school, I dreamed of becoming a nurse. It was timely when our household was qualified to be a beneficiary of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and I was one of the program-monitored children. The cash grant we received is a great help in my studies as well as to my other siblings. This gave us hope to do better in our studies.

By the time I graduated from high school, I aspired to be in the field of business someday. I applied to different State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), but unfortunately, I passed the exam but didn’t make it to the interview. Although I could have pursued my dream course in a private school, it wasn’t an option financially, as my older sister was already attending a private school.

To help lessen our family’s expenses, especially for tuition, I decided to look into other courses offered in SUCs where I could benefit from free higher education. While I was searching for options, a friend suggested that I apply to West Visayas State University – College of Agriculture and Forestry (WVSU-CAF), as they offered programs in Agriculture and Forestry.

To be honest, it was the first time I’d ever heard of Forestry, and I was immediately curious about what the course entailed. I thought, perhaps this was a sign—maybe my calling wasn’t in medicine or business, but in Forestry. So, I applied to WVSU-CAF, and the next day, I had an interview over the phone, which I passed. I went on to enroll in the Bachelor of Science in Forestry program at WVSU-CAF, a place where I knew I could gain the skills and knowledge to make a real difference.

My first two years were in the pandemic era, we missed several crucial activities that we were supposed to experience in those years. My last two years at university were challenging yet incredibly rewarding. Forestry is a complex field, and each class taught me something new about our ecosystems and how we can protect and sustainably manage them. I poured my heart into my studies, committed to understanding every detail. My hard work paid off when I graduated as the top student in my class, receiving Magna Cum Laude honors.

That moment was a huge milestone—it was a proud achievement not only for me but also for my family and mentors who supported me. After graduation, I set my focus on the Foresters Licensure Examination. The preparation was intense, but I stayed motivated, remembering why I had chosen this path.

One of the challenges, which I know I’m not the only one to experience—most students probably face it too—is balancing studies and personal life. It’s difficult to prioritize studying while also keeping up with other responsibilities in life.

Apart from that, the biggest challenge I’ve faced is that I easily get distracted. I have other reviewers or notes saved on my phone, so of course, I need to use my phone to check terms or things I don’t understand. But after checking, I end up watching TikTok or YouTube and scrolling through Facebook.

After that, I lose the motivation to study, and that’s when laziness kicks in. This has been my number one struggle since I started school, and my friends and roommates know it well. I can say that discipline, time management, and commitment are the key factors that have helped me stay focused on my goal. When the results were released, I was thrilled to see that I had ranked 5th. It was a surreal experience, knowing that all the long hours of studying and dedication had led to such an accomplishment.

This journey taught me that hard work, resilience, and passion can create incredible outcomes. I am excited to use my knowledge and skills in forestry to protect and preserve the environment, knowing that I am part of a field that contributes to a sustainable future.

“Passing the board exam is a turning point in my life. It opens doors to career opportunities that were once just distant dreams. But more than personal success, it gives me the chance to contribute meaningfully to environmental conservation and sustainable development—fields I am deeply passionate about,” she said.

My profession as a forester is not just a career; it’s a responsibility. I plan to use my expertise to advocate for sustainable forestry practices and ecotourism development, especially in rural areas where communities depend on natural resources. At the same time, I want to support my family, ensuring that their sacrifices for my education were worth it.

I know this is just the beginning, and I’m ready to make an impact. I am truly grateful to everyone, especially to my family, friends, and mentors who trusted me and never gave up on me, even during the times when I questioned myself.