Back in 2010, I enrolled in UE with the hopes of achieving my CPA dream. I have no idea of what I was signing for but I was confident that I could make it. That dream however, was cut short, when I didn't reach the required grade for a particular subject. That was a critical point during my BSA journey. I was compelled to shift to Accounting Technology, a degree almost similar to Accountancy in most aspects, but without the capacity to take the board exam.
After graduating BSAcT in 2014, I immediately worked so I can help with our finances. I always knew I wanted that BSA diploma. And so after working for over 2 years, I decided to continue what I have started. I went back to UE to process my papers. During that time, the bridging program for BSAcT graduates has just been implemented. I was torn between transferring to another school and staying in UE. But my heart has always been with Lualhati, so I decided to stay despite the fear of taking the accounting integrated subjects.
Taking the integ was a dark moment for me. I failed 3 integ subjects. Yes, that was 3 singkos in my transcript. I was never ashamed of it though, for it was a big part of my success story. Eventually, in December of 2018, I graduated with the Accountancy degree. A dream that was delayed for a while has now been realized.
I enrolled in CPAR in preparation for the May 2019 CPALE. I was part of the top 100 for both the first and final preboards. This gave me the confidence I need to take the board exam. However, my CPA dream was once again shattered when I did not see my name on the list of passers. I was sad and hopeless because I knew I gave everything I could for this title. I sacrificed a lot for this to happen. I prayed hard for this. The fact that I just missed 3pts to pass was unbearable. I thought this will be my post birthday present from God. But it wasn't. God said, "NOT YET, MY CHILD."
Good thing, I had a strong support system who comforted me when I was at my lowest. They did not just cheer me up when I failed the May 2019 board exam, but also encouraged me to stand up and fight again for the title.
A day after I saw my grades, I enrolled again in CPAR and prepared for the battle once more. I had to endure another cycle of morning 'til dawn study sessions to understand and retain every concept. I had to sacrifice again for this dream. I told myself, "For the October exams, I am not just equipped with faith and concepts. This time, I have my experience with me."
The October 2019 CPALE was tough. The 14.32% national passing rate was the proof. I salute everyone who had the courage and took the exam. To my friends who didn't make it YET, cliché as it may sound, but please never give up on your dreams. Please look back on all the challenges you had to go through to get where you are now. We are all meant for this title. Aleays remember that I will be praying for all of you. ❤
It took me about a decade to earn my CPA title. The quest for this dream has a lot of detours, adventures and misadventures; but I still ended up where I am supposed to be. We just have to trust God on what He has planned for us. Because His plans are always perfect. They will never go wrong. ✨💖
ANGELICA MAE D. AGUSTIN, CPA
UE BS Accounting Technology, 2014
