Engineer Topnotcher Failed 3x where her mother is a Professor at the same university. Can you imagine the look on her mom’s face when she found out that her daughter flunked? “My mom is an engineering teacher where i Study.” Is that an advantage?
Life is not only about success; failures are also a big part of it.
They can come in many ways, but they all have a common denominator: causing an emotional wound.
Engr. Christine Andrea Manjac Reconalla had her fair share of failures, mostly during her college life, and many students can surely relate.
She was even met with unfortunate situations while reviewing for the Mining Engineering Licensure Examination.
Although failures are inevitable, those didn’t stop her from graduating and eventually becoming the Top 6 in the MinELE with an 87.30% rating.
In her interview with GineersNow, we found out how she was able to overcome it.
Summary Highlights
- Course: Mining Engineering
- Rank: Top 6
- Score: 87.30%
- School: University of Southeastern Philippines
- Review Center: UP and USeP review classes
- Challenges: failed subjects in college, self-studied for the board exam, her mother teaches at the same university
- Mother: Engineering Professor
- Father: Professor
Her Inspiration
Christine Andrea, or simply Andrea, had little knowledge of what a Bachelor of Science in Mining Engineering was before she took the course.
It was only through her mother that she knew about BSMinE.
Her mom is also an engineer and teaches at the University of Southeastern Philippines, which offers a Mining Engineering program.
After receiving lots of encouragement from her parents to try the program, she ultimately took the university’s exam and passed it.
During her time as a Mining Engineering major at USeP, Andrea was that typical student who had her favorite subject as well as least favorite subjects.
Failures
Fluid Mechanics was one of the four subjects she didn’t like so much.
In fact, she had to take it twice as she initially received a failing grade.
Other than Fluids Mechanics, she also experienced failing in two other subjects, including the major subject Structural Geology and Tectonics Laboratory and another Engineering Science subject called Strength of Materials.
Failing in one subject is already upsetting to some of us, so failing in two others will no doubt cause more emotional damage.
Persistent
But instead of viewing failures as a misfortune, Andrea considered them as a blessing as they gave her a chance to be better and do better, as well as to correct things and even exceed the expected results.
With a positive mindset, she pulled herself together and started reviewing the previous lessons, and practiced problem-solving in repetition.
In the end, she managed to rise from her downfall, achieving passing grades thanks to her hard work and persistence.
But above all of her failures, the most difficult and challenging time for Andrea was coping with the pressure imposed by the people around her.
Expectations and Pressure
Because her mother is a teacher at the university that she attends.
Many people expect her to have the same qualities and intelligence as her mom.
Despite the pressure, she was still able to perform well in school until her final year, and she ultimately graduated on January 2020.
The time came when Andrea had to prepare for the Mining Engineering Licensure Examination, and she again faced several difficulties.
The Pandemic Online Review
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, her review classes were conducted remotely.
She attended lectures that were done only via online platforms, which was a set-up she was uncomfortable with.
She was so used to having face-to-face classes with her classmates around her.
It was very new to her that she had a hard time coping with it.
Nevertheless, she still managed to finish all her review sessions.
She first attended a review class offered by the University of the Philippines, which lasted for less than a month.
She then took another review class organized by the University of Southeastern Philippines.
But Andrea didn’t stop reviewing even after completing those classes.
She went on to self-study as she knew she was not a fast learner.
While coping with a new learning environment was hard, it wasn’t the most frustrating part she faced during this global pandemic.
It was the uncertainty that the board exam would push through.
As a matter of fact, their examination was postponed twice.
Two weeks before the exam, they were told that they would take examinations in a different city, not in Davao.
One week later, they heard rumors about the exam being postponed to next year due to Metro Manila being placed under ECQ at that time.
But luck seemed to be on their side, as they were informed four days before the board exam that MinELE would take place as scheduled.
Hesitations
The licensure examination finally arrived, and Andrea found the questions average and difficult.
There were times when she came upon questions that left her wondering.
As soon as she was finished, she submitted her test papers and got out of the room with a sigh.
She had too many unsure answers, and so she thought that she wouldn’t be able to top the boards.
Anxiety completely took over her at that time.
But she tried to make herself okay and move on as the exam was already over.
Prayers
She then began praying to pass the exam even if she was not in the top 10.
Achieving a passing rate was all that mattered to her at that moment.
On the day the examination results were out, Andrea was informed through their group chat that she and Loren (her classmate who also took the board exam) aced the boards.
She didn’t believe the news at first, so she asked for the link to the results to check her ranking herself.
As soon as she confirmed that she was one of the topnotchers, she couldn’t help but hug her family because of her overflowing happiness.
Her story has become one of the many proofs that failures are part of success.
After failing several subjects during college, Andrea learned from them and grew as a person.
She eventually reached her dream to topped the licensure board examination.
Now, she’s currently working in an underground mine in South Cotabato.
Here is Engr. Christine’s full interview with GineersNow.
My Student Life
Why did you choose this course? Who or what was your inspiration?
BS in Mining Engineering was introduced to me by my mother, who is a teacher at the University of Southeastern Philippines.
She said that they were offering Mining Engineering and Geology programs.
I find the program BSEM different from other engineering fields because I know a little about it.
So, I took the shot at taking the university’s entrance exam, with BSEM as my primary option.
What are your favorite subjects in your entire engineering study? How about least liked subjects?
My favorite subject would be Techniques in Mining Analysis.
My least favorite subjects are Dynamics of Rigid Bodies, Fluid Mechanics, Advanced Mathematics, and Differential Equations.
I even took Fluid Mechanics twice.
Have you had any subject failures or disappointing academic performance? What did you do about it?
Apart from Fluid Mechanics, I failed a major subject, Structural Geology and Tectonics Laboratory, and another Engineering Science subject, Strength of Materials.
I managed to rise from it.
I reviewed the previous lessons and practiced problem-solving repeatedly.
What were your greatest struggles while in college?
Probably, the most difficult and challenging time I had during college was coping with the pressure imposed by the people around me.
Since my mom teaches at the same university, I am studying, all are eyeing me that I’m an apple that does not fall far from the tree.
Any topnotcher study tips or tricks that you think others should emulate from you?
My tips on studying would be to discipline yourself when you are studying as opposed to happy go lucky attitude.
In my case, I use the Pomodoro Technique or Time Blocking to be efficient.
Also, always take down notes, especially information from your professors that was not included in their ppts.
Also, for math-related subjects, practice problem-solving.
What is the best engineering school advice that you can give to other students?
I always loved this line from the movie Meet the Robinsons, “In failure, we learn, in success, not that much.”
For me, failure does not always equate to misfortune.
Sometimes, your so-called failure is a blessing in disguise, it’s a chance to be better and do better.
It’s a chance to correct what needs to be corrected and even exceed the expected results.
But don’t get me wrong, it’s another story to tell if you repeatedly fail without doing anything better about it.
That’s something I’m not in favor of.
My Board Exam Experience
What were the greatest struggles that you experienced while preparing for the board exam? What did you do to overcome them?
Our review was conducted remotely.
Lectures were done via online platforms.
It was not the set-up that we were inclined to.
We were used to having face-to-face classes and having our classmates at our side helping us.
It was new to me, and honestly, I had a hard time coping with it.
The most challenging part is taking the examination during a global pandemic with the uncertainty that your examination will still push through.
Our examination was moved twice.
Two weeks before the board exam, we were informed that we’d be taking the exam in a different city, not in Davao.
All of us were already settled in Davao and we have eased ourselves in Davao.
We were left with no option but to arrange our accommodation at the new exam venue.
But it did not stop there.
One week before the exam, there were circulating rumors that our exam would be postponed to next year because Metro Manila was placed under ECQ at that time.
Imagine the anxiety brought by the upcoming exam, added to the frustration of knowing that the board exam will be postponed to the following year.
And about four days before the exam, we were told that the exam would push through.
That experience of ours is a story worth sharing with people asking about our struggles during the board exam.
Did you enroll in a center for your review? Do you recommend doing so? Which one did you go to?
I have attended two review classes in UP and USeP.
I attended a review class in UP because I definitely need a deep refresher on it.
The review class at UP lasted for less than a month.
And I took another review class organized by USeP.
I took every opportunity presented because it was offered, and I know I will be able to use the information from these centers during my review.
If possible and with no constraints along the way, I encourage students to take a review class.
You will be able to know your progress from your mock boards, on how far you have been already in your review.
You will be able to assess your preparedness.
I didn’t only rely on the review classes, I had my own self-study after review classes because I know I’m not a fast learner.
I usually need a longer time to understand what I am studying.
How did you find the board exam? Easy, average, or difficult?
I will rate the board exam as average to difficult.
There were questions that would leave you wondering.
What were your expectations after you took the board exam and before the results were out? Did you have a feeling that you would be at the top?
After submitting the answer key, I went out of the room with a deep sigh.
Because I have too many unsure answers.
I composed myself to be okay and to move on because it was already over.
I prayed that I would be able to pass the exam, just pass the exam.
It didn’t matter that I’ll be placed in the top 10. I did not feel that I would ace the boards.
It was anxiety that lingered during those times.
What did you do the first minute you discovered you topped the board exam?
I can remember that it was August 16, I had just had dinner, and I sat in front of the TV, refreshing the PRC website and scanning updates on our Messenger group chat.
At 6 pm, I opened our group chat, I read that the results were up.
My classmate said that I and Loren (my classmate) aced the boards.
I did not believe it at first.
I asked him for a link to the results.
When I was sure that I had really aced the boards, I hugged my father and my brothers and sister, my mom was in the kitchen at that time.
She was bothered by why we were shouting.
She ran to the living room, and I told her that “I am an Engineer.”
Who do you owe your success to?
I owe my success to my family, whose support is unwavering.
I also owe my success to our professors, who were passionate about teaching and sharing their expertise with us.
To my college friends, who became my go-to-persons in times of anxiety and despair.
And my high school friends, who were my stress-relievers.
What incentives did you get from your university and review center after your board exam success?
I got a cash incentive from USeP.
Share your most effective study habits.
Here are some effective study habits:
Know yourself first.
Know your study habits, and study techniques.
During your college days, always take down notes and keep them, as well as your problem-solving activities.
You will use them in your review soon.
Discipline yourself.
When it’s time for studying, render at least 1-2 hours of deep review before checking your social media accounts or watching your favorite tv series.
I do not recommend spending more than 8 hours straight in review.
Use the Pomodoro technique or Time-Blocking.
Schedule your own self-review and stick with it.
Don’t be so hard on yourself.
Treat yourself to one episode of your favorite TV series every after a chapter read.
Give yourself a one-day rest day from review, do whatever you want on that day.
This is the most important, dedicate your success to Him. You cannot go far without Him
Give some important tips for future board exam takers who aim to become topnotchers.
I know every board exam taker, their goal is to ace the boards, so here are some of the tips that I am glad to share:
Be disciplined when studying.
Know how to balance your schedule. And stick with your schedule (I used Pomodoro technique or Time-Blocking).
Make a schedule of your own review.
Ask your upperclassmen for their review materials and the topics during their board exam.
Start outlining them.
Do not hesitate to seek help if you come across questions you don’t know.
Take advantage of the review classes to ask your lecturers or ask your instructors about lessons you didn’t understand well.
Eat healthily and drink lots of water.
Take your vitamins as well.
Sleep at least 8 hours a day.
A 30-minute jog around your community will also help.
Read, read, and read.
Read every principle behind the application, and practice every problem-solving activity.
Understand the principle and understand the application.
Internet is available for your queries. Make use of it.
Make your own reviewer.
The reviewer that you can fully understand and your style. Read your reviewer THREE TIMES or MORE and update, if you must, your reviewer with new information.
Aral at dasal.
Pray, pray, and pray.
My Family & Love Life
Describe your family, parents, siblings (and children if applicable)
My family gave their full support to all my decisions and endeavors in life.
They never hesitated to extend a helping hand whenever I needed it and never doubted my abilities.
They have been my rock, my support system.
Did your parents encourage you to study engineer?
It was my mom who introduced me to engineering.
She is an engineer as well, and she dedicated her expertise to teaching.
She introduced it to me, and my dad (who is also a college instructor) also supported the idea.
When I have difficulty in a math-related subject, I run to them to seek their help.
Although I have been open to them that if I’m not pursuing engineering, I will pursue a medical-related course, they encouraged me to just try the program.
If I don’t see myself with it, then I’ll study a medical-related course.
Are you in a relationship? or it’s complicated?
I am single. HAHA.
The Future
Describe engineering in one word.
Persevere
Why engineering is important in our society?
Engineering is important because it is an asset to the ever-changing world. Without engineering, innovation may not be possible.
Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?
Ten years from now, I see myself as someone who is happy and contented.
Happy with my work and family life, contented, and thankful for the unending blessings.
I see myself as someone who has found peace and is unbothered by the world’s drudgery.
— End of Interview —
What is mining engineering?
Mining engineering is a field of engineering that deals with the extraction of minerals from the earth.
Mining engineers work in mines, quarries, and other sites where mineral deposits are found.
They oversee the construction of mine shafts and tunnels, and they also develop plans for extracting minerals in an efficient and safe manner.
Mining engineering is a demanding profession, as it requires both theoretical knowledge and practical experience.
Mining engineers must be able to solve complex problems and have strong analytical skills.
They must also be familiar with the latest mining technology and equipment.
Mining engineering is a rewarding career that offers good job prospects and high salaries.
With the demand for minerals increasing all over the world, mining engineers will continue to be in high demand.
Why study mining engineering?
There are many reasons to study mining engineering. For one, it is a field with high job security.
The demand for minerals is always going to be high, no matter what the state of the economy is.
And as technological advances are made, the need for new and improved methods of extraction and processing will continue to grow.
Another reason to study mining engineering is that it offers a good salary and benefits package.
Mining engineers typically earn a very good wage, especially when you consider the cost of living in rural areas where many mines are located.
Benefits of studying mining engineering?
Mining engineering is a challenging and rewarding career.
It offers graduates a chance to work in a variety of settings, including underground mines, surface mines, and quarries.
Mining engineers also have the opportunity to work in research and development or in management and consulting.
Graduates of mining engineering programs have many opportunities to pursue careers in the mining industry or in other industries such as oil and gas, construction, environmental consulting, or government.
Mining engineers are in high demand due to the current boom in the mining industry.
Salaries for mining engineers are among the highest of all engineering disciplines.
The risks of being a mining engineer
Mining engineering is a field with a high degree of risk.
The work is often done in remote locations, which can pose dangers to the natural environment.
There are also risks associated with the machinery and equipment used in mining operations.
Mining engineers must be aware of these risks and take steps to protect themselves and their colleagues.
The first step in managing risk is to identify the potential hazards.
Some hazards are obvious, such as working near large pieces of heavy machinery.
Others are less obvious, such as working in areas where there is a risk of rockfalls or cave-ins.
Once the hazards have been identified, it is important to assess the likelihood of them occurring and the possible consequences.
This information can then be used to develop risk control measures.
What do mining engineers do?
Mining engineers are responsible for the safe and efficient extraction of minerals from the earth.
Their work includes planning, designing, developing, and managing mines.
Mining engineers also oversee the construction of mine infrastructures, such as shafts, tunnels, and ventilation systems.
They also plan and develop mine transportation systems, including conveyor belts and haul trucks.
In addition, mining engineers often work with geologists to find new mineral deposits and assess their potential.
Education
In the Philippines, mining engineers typically have a bachelor’s degree in engineering, although some positions may require a master’s degree or higher.
Many mining engineering programs include courses in mine safety and health, environmental science, geology and metallurgy.
In addition to formal education, many mining engineering students gain practical experience through internships or cooperative programs.
The skills you need to become a mining engineer
Mining engineering students need to be able to identify, extract, and process minerals and metals from the earth.
They typically work in mining operations or in mineral processing plants, overseeing the construction of mines and managing the operations.
Mining engineers need to have strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
They must be able to understand complex systems and have experience with computer-aided design (CAD) software.
They should also be comfortable working in hazardous conditions and be able to make quick decisions in emergency situations.
The job market for mining engineers
Mining engineering students have a lot to look forward to after graduation.
The job market is hot for mining engineers right now, thanks to the continued growth of the mining industry.
There are plenty of job opportunities available for mining engineers, both in the Philippines and abroad.
The starting salary for a mining engineer is quite high, making it one of the most lucrative careers available.
Mining engineers can expect to earn a comfortable salary while working in a challenging and exciting field.
Mining engineering is a great career choice for those who are interested in working in the mining industry.
With so many job opportunities available, it’s a great time to enter the field.
The future of mining engineering
The future of mining engineering looks very promising.
The demand for minerals and metals is only going to increase as the world population grows and developing countries continue to industrialize.
This means that there will be a need for more miners and mining engineers to extract these valuable resources.
Mining engineering is a challenging and exciting field that offers many opportunities for career growth.
With the right training, mining engineers can become experts in resource extraction, mineral processing, and environmental protection.
They may also choose to specialize in a particular type of mining, such as coal or gold mining.
There are many different paths that a career in mining engineering can take.
Some miners may choose to work in management or operations, while others may become research scientists or consultants.
No matter what path they take, miners will play an important role in meeting the world’s demand for minerals and metals.
Takeaway: Become a mining engineer like Engr. Andrea
In conclusion, there are several advantages to being a mining engineer. These include the high salary, the ability to work in a variety of locations, and the opportunity to travel.
