Twenty years ago, I applied to the University of the Philippines—UPLB and UP Manila. I was waitlisted.
At that time, I never appealed. Life had other plans, circumstances changed, and I eventually took a different path. For a long time, I thought that chapter of my life had quietly closed.
But perhaps some dreams are not meant to disappear. They simply wait for the right time.
Today, after earning two master’s degrees and completing my doctorate, I find myself standing at the doors of the University of the Philippines once again.
This time, I am officially admitted to the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU).
It feels surreal.
Twenty years ago, I was a young applicant waiting for an opportunity. Today, I return with years of experience, lessons, failures, achievements, and a deeper understanding of why I wanted to continue learning in the first place.
This is more than another academic milestone. For me, it is a reminder that delayed does not mean denied. Sometimes, life takes us through a longer road—not to take us away from our dreams, but to prepare us for them.
I may have missed my chance twenty years ago, but I am grateful that I never completely stopped moving forward.
From being waitlisted two decades ago… to being admitted today.
After 20 years, I’m finally coming home to UP.
And this time, I’m ready.