After lumabas ang results ng exam, iba-iba ang reaksyon na nakikita at nababasa ko. The people who passed are happy and it’s really easy for me to be happy with and for them. It’s harder, a lot harder, for those who don’t make it.
Marami ang tahimik lang. Some people express their disappointment. Others say that they’re going to quit na lang. And, not until about a year ago, I noticed more people took it well, saying that they won’t give up. I’m extra proud of those people. I always make sure to say a special prayer for them. It’s because more than growing sa knowledge, their choice to keep a positive attitude shows strength in character na kailangan talaga sa public service. After all, one of my biggest dreams is to see all the Team Lyqa passers be exemplary employees sa government and for them to be a positive influence sa takbo ng gobyerno natin. Wouldn’t that be nice? This post isn’t for them though.
This is for the people who want to quit. Please let me try to convince you otherwise. Here’s why you shouldn’t stop trying.
1. Your time will come.
In the three years since I started making free videos for test-takers, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the diversity of people who make it. Brian, my ninang’s son who attended the weekend review, had just turned 18 when he took the test. He’s one of the youngest passers. Daddy Ben was 58 years old. Ate Bem was already a mom of two. And, in the March 2018 exam, may mother and child pair who attended the live review at nakapasa silang pareho. Iba-iba ang kwento, iba-iba ang sitwasyon and iba-iba rin ang timing. Sabi nga sa Bible,
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:”
Ecclesiastes 3:1
Sometimes, people ask me kung ano ang passing rate ng Team. I always hesitate to answer that. Everyone starts on a different level kasi. And I won’t lie and say that you’ll pass instantly when you join the team. Pero, dahil almost all of the people who started this journey with me noong 2015 already passed, I can say this with confidence. Stick with the program and you will pass.
2. 100% of quitters fail.
Last week. I created a poll for the Team Lyqa passers. I wanted to see kung ilan sa kanila ang one take lang ang kinailangan and how many of them had to take the test multiple times before they passed. Out of the 540 people who voted, only 24% passed on the first try. Everyone else had to push through failure and try again (and again). If they gave up, all 410 of them would still be ineligible.
If you take the test, kahit based lang sa national passing rate, you have a 10-12% chance of making it. If you make an effort and study, that percentage will be even higher. If you don’t even try, siguradong bagsak ka na agad.
3. You won’t stop improving.
Nothing will be easy until you have full mastery of it. I’m sure you’ve seen a lot of whiz kids showcase their speed when it comes to solving Math problems. Now, I’m not trying to take away anything from their God-given gifts, but if they didn’t practice as much as they normally did, do you think they’d be as fast?
Math, Language, Logic, memorization, and test-taking are skills. The thing with skills is that you really need practice to improve. If you don’t keep using it, you’ll get slower and slower at it until you eventually forget. Signing up for the next exam will motivate (maybe even force) you to keep practicing. Baka yung mga tanong that used to take you more than 3 minutes to solve will only take you 1 minute or less. If you stop using the techniques, babagal yan to maybe 5 minutes because your brain will need time to find the right pathways.
4. It will build character.
Take this passage from James:
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
James 1:2-4
I usually open the live review events with the succeeding verses, but I want to point this out din. Trying again and again will produce perseverance which is something that we all need to succeed. I think everyone who worked for someone will agree with me when I say that exams are easy compared to real life problems. You’ll face difficult tasks, tough bosses, and situations beyond your control. If you have the right character, you can turn those challenges into conquests.
And, to make things a little lighter, when you pass the test, you can throw this pick-up line,
“Civil Service Exam nga, di ko sinukuan, hanggang naipasa ko, e. Ikaw pa?”
5. You will inspire other people.
This is the one topic that I can’t speak on. When people tell me about how discouraged they are dahil di sila pumasa, I can’t say that I know how they feel because I don’t. And, I don’t want to minimize their emotions by just telling them to keep trying. Siyempre some people would think na it’s easy for me to say dahil I only took the test once. That’s why I’m so grateful for all the Team Lyqa passers who share their story in the hopes of inspiring people like you. Take Roldan’s story for example:
Roldan’s story was viewed by more than 7,300 people. 347 reacted to it, and it was shared countless times. If you don’t give up, like Roldan, your story can inspire others, too. You can help other people from all over the country, even the world, to reach for their dreams. You will be part of their journey, too. This is a great way to leave a lasting legacy.
These are just 5 of the many reasons why you shouldn’t give up. I know you must have more. If you want to share it with others, comment na lang below.
Cry if you must. Rest if you have to, but don’t quit. Don’t give up on your self. You will always have, at least, one person rooting for you (me!). I will NEVER give up on you.
Aja!