IN FOCUS | Issue No. 2 | August-December 2020

The Power of
13 FEATURE
Dedication
Learning is always a process. It is like a story building, we all
have our rising action, we reach our climax, we also feel the denouement.
Despite that, our goal is always a worthwhile ending. If one
feels defeated, take a breather and continue to try again. -V. Perlas Jr.
The life of a professor is a consistent balancing act where they
attempt to mix and match personal and proficient duties under the
unavoidable pressure of overseeing assumptions in a frequently hyper-competitive
culture. There is always a dread that they may fail,
a sense that if that somehow managed to occur, they could be alone
and the one at blame. Society assumes that they ought to be mature
enough, experienced enough, and adequately intense to withstand
all the pressure that accompanies the work. Being a faculty member
in a college can be one of the most fulfilling professions, however,
it has likewise become one of the most distressing positions.
In 2020, the College of Medical Technology (CMT) welcomed
a new Assistant Professor. He completed his degree at Cagayan State
University, with both BS and MS degrees in the field of Medical Laboratory
Science and 9 years in service as a Registered Medical Technologist
of the country. Described by his students as a kind, approachable
and hard-working professor, he is Assistant Professor
Victor “Vico” Perlas Jr. RMT, MPH. We interviewed him about his experiences
working at TUA-CMT, his drive through his profession, and
his message to all aspiring future Medical Technology students like us.
by Ashley Alexis U. Guevarra
this track. The drive to leave a footprint in establishing the core values
of the future healers kept me passionate about my work. “
Despite the burnout and new adjustments, he was able to be resilient
up until this day. “During my college years, I would say everything did
not fall into my expectations. My first two years in college were the happiest.
I learned to balance both academics and co-curricular tasks. I remembered
one of the most challenging yet amazing moments I had as a sophomore
student was when I was chosen to be the Editor-in-Chief of the official school
paper of the University system. I was so motivated to do the best and to be the
best I could be. I enjoyed it a lot because journalism has been my first love.”
Entering Junior year was also a lot of adjustment for Sir Vico.
But with his strong will, he was able to go through it. He said, “I little
by little dropped my extra activities when I reached my junior
year. I heard that urban legend circulating in all Medical Technology
schools, that is, you do not sleep when you reach the third year. True
enough, all major subjects tend to be time demanding. Despite that,
we had to accept the challenge wholeheartedly, so I did. I was enjoying
every moment of it even though things were topsy-turvy. I am willing
to learn from my mistakes and I learned not to be afraid of failing.”
Going downhill with personal problems became his strength
in finding the true essence through his journey in the field of Medical
Technology.
Working exhaustedly from nine-to-five hours does not only apply
to educators but also among other professionals, yet still continues to accomplish
daily duties because it is a lifetime commitment. ”Each day starts
early but ends late. I learned to love this routine. Teaching is not an easy
job, but very fulfilling. I start my day by reviewing my plans for the day, then
I offer a little prayer as I offer that these plans are to be guided by the Almighty.
If things turn out well as expected, I end my day by analyzing what
improvements I could incorporate based on the students’ needs. Then I
plan for the next day. I wrap up by studying my next activities or lessons.”
“As exciting as it is, it can also be overwhelming,” Sir Vico learns
through his peers. He said it is almost an instinct or some kind of sixth
sense. “The possibility of experiencing different atmospheres or emotions
each day made me very interested in academe. I get to see how
students and faculty members express themselves in the most toxic
situations of their life. I learn from it. It also made me develop an instinct
as to how to deal with such scenarios.” He also added, “I would
say TUA’s CMT is one of the best organizations I worked with. The
faculty headed by Dean Rodriguez are all emphatic to students. “
Leading students towards
succeeding in the field is his
main goal. Even if it demands
too much time and energy,
his drive still pushes him.
“There are many reasons
why I continue my career
in Medical Technology
specifically as a Medical
Technologist working in
the academe. One of the
most striking reasons is
that I can (in a way) be an
influence on the young
aspiring Medical
Technologist. I did not
study Medical Technology
as a course to become
an educator, but
my path was
destined
for
“While I thought I was going through the hardest in my academic
endeavor, I was wrong. My father got sick just a few weeks after
I started in our second semester and I felt so useless during those days
for my knowledge was not enough to know how he was going or whatnot.
That was my darkest moment in school and at home. Before the
semester ended, my father joined our Creator. I doubted myself, how
could I even wear the whole white uniform while I was useless during
my father’s suffering? During those times of contemplation, I gave up
on Medical Technology and all dreams to further my education in Medicine
or whatnot. My family, my Dean, my professors, and my classmates
in the Medical Technology Department showed me a perspective I was
not seeing during those times. They showed me that despite all the cowardly
emotions I felt during that time, they are willing to walk with me
and be my light. I was so blessed that I had them guiding me throughout.
I then finished Medical Technology while conquering myself doubts.”
Also, he enjoys simple yet satisfying compliments coming from
his students and community. “The best experience for me is when parents
call and acknowledge me as to how I reared their children in
school. I usually don’t give up on hard students. I mean we all experience
different walks in life and I completely understand that school
is not the sole problem of the students and I am willing to synchronize
learning to fit the needs of the students. With me doing this over the
years, it is very fulfilling to be recognized and be known in such a way. “
A lot of teachers and students faced a lot of learning and challenges
throughout online teaching. According to Sir Vico, communication is
the key. “For me, I would consider amazing communication between the
educator and the students is the key to learning despite the interference
of connectivity. Online teaching is very difficult, much more with online
learning. It is significant to get to know each student to craft a tailor-fit
learning strategy for each of them. Strategies to facilitate education is
very crucial in online learning. The end goal is to keep the students driven
to push thru and succeed over this endeavor of online education. “
Ending his interview with words of wisdom to the future frontliners
— his students, he asserts, “I definitely will just encourage them to
continue the love for learning and to keep their passion burning. We all
need a break or a little space, but we must not stop. While you thought
you were experiencing the hardest, remember my story, and keep going.
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap
a harvest if we do not give up (Galatians 6:9). In the field of Medical Technology
where one can be over others, it is really important to keep in mind
to always be grounded and to always do good even if no one sees you. “