This engineer topnotcher backed out a few days before the sanitary engineering licensure board exam schedule he was supposed to take. He is already a civil engineer, so why would he take SELE?
There are different stages in our lives when fear and negative thoughts get the best of us.
This often leads us to question if we should continue or just give up.
Engr. Joshua Shem Barachina (Shem) is just one of the many people who experienced this, particularly while reviewing for the Sanitary Engineering board exam.
Despite going through this difficult time, he was still able to conquer his fears and successfully obtained the Top 5 spot in the January 2022 SELE with a rating of 80.10%.
In his interview with GineersNow, we discovered how he managed to do so.
Summary Highlights
Course: Sanitary Engineering
Rank: Top 5
Score: 80.1%
School: University of the Cordilleras
Review Center: IntEnSE Engineering Review Center
Challenges: failed differential calculus and hydraulic subjects in college, financial struggles
Unique story: He is already a civil engineer and took a sanitary engineering board exam
While completing his civil engineering degree at the University of the Cordilleras, Engr. Joshua Shem, or Shem for short, had the time to observe the school’s sewage treatment facility, which is one of the few of its kind in Baguio City.
He was impressed by how creative sanitary engineers are in reducing water wastage through the application of reusable resources and the limitation of contaminants in effluent discharges.
Upon learning of their ingenuity, Shem got the inspiration to take up some environmental and sanitary engineering courses at the same university.
Luckily, his school allows students to pursue both CE and SE in a laddered format.
At the beginning of his studies, Shem developed a mindset that all subjects in the curriculum are essential to mold himself as a “multidimensional professional.”
With this kind of mindset, he was able to enjoy the process of acquiring skills and knowledge in every subject offered in the Sanitary Engineering course, be it minor or major.
Among those subjects, he gave much attention to design subjects like reinforced concrete and steel design.
Academic Failures
But like other students, Shem also had his fair share of academic failures.
He experienced failing in not only one but two different subjects.
First, he was unable to pass Differential Calculus supposedly because his Algebra skills weren’t that established in high school.
This made him question his capacity to complete his SE degree.
But he composed himself and took the time to think things over before making a decision.
After much thought, he realized that failures are part of his development process.
He then began to practice his Algebra.
Fortunately, his hard work paid off as he finished Differential Calculus for the second time with a passing remark.
Hydraulics was the second subject where he got a poor grade.
But thanks to his previous experience in the same situation, he was able to handle it seamlessly.
In fact, not only did he pass, but he also recorded his highest mark of 92 in the Hydro-Geo subject of his Civil Engineering Licensure Examination.
Apart from failing in the two aforementioned subjects in his first take, Shem also struggled financially during his studies.
Thankfully, he received unwavering support from his parents and relatives.
He ultimately graduated from his BSSE course in 2020 and began to prepare for his board exam.
Shem enrolled in a review center to have better preparation for the upcoming Sanitary Engineering Licensure Examination.
He’s Already a Civil Engineer; Why Take Sanitary Engineering?
He was already a licensed civil engineer at that time and was also working as a college instructor at the University of the Cordilleras.
Although everything was okay at first, he reached the point where he had trouble balancing his focus on work and review since his current job requires lots of time for class preparations.
This became a major challenge for him around that time.
To escape his situation, he took study leave for the SELE August 2021.
But a few days prior to the board exam, he suddenly felt so much pressure and fear that he ended up backing out.
He was so afraid he would fail to top the SE board, considering that he was still lacking and there were several topics he had not studied yet.
Even after several months had passed, Shem was still not fully prepared.
He had the option not to take the exam, though, as he’s already a licensed civil engineer.
But he also had the burning desire to finish what he had started.
So instead of putting his focus on fear and negativity, he decided to attract and declare positive thoughts to help himself overcome the obstacle he was facing.
The Board Exam Day
So on the next exam scheduled in January 2022, Shem took a leap of faith and finally took the exam.
Unlike most takers, he was simultaneously calm and excited throughout the three-day SELE.
He also expected the questions to be difficult, so it didn’t come as a surprise to him when he saw the test papers.
In particular, the computations in the Hydraulics section were of average difficulty level, while the Wastewater Engineering part was the hardest one for him.
He also encountered terms that he had only seen for the first time in his life.
Whenever he came upon a difficult question, he confidently whispered to himself that he would top the boards and opted to focus more on the good side.
On the day the results were revealed, Shem was first informed by his former student— who also took the board exam—that he was one of the topnotchers.
He was instantly filled with happiness and excitement upon hearing the good news.
After confirming his place on the board, his “soul” was jumping out for joy.
It appears like words are indeed powerful.
And as long as you put your heart and soul into achieving something, plus a strong faith in God, anything is possible.
My Student Life
Why did you choose this course? Who or what was your inspiration?
Observing the sewage treatment facility of the University of the Cordilleras, one of the few facilities in Baguio City, made me realize the creativity that sanitary engineers exhibit in minimizing water wastage through resource reuse and limiting contaminants in effluent discharges.
Innovative thinking is very evident as technologists conceive these solutions that can be mirrored in prudently approaching diverse and dynamic environmental concerns.
Their ingenuity inspired me to go beyond my civil engineering degree and strengthened my resolve to take up some environmental and sanitary engineering courses.
Thankfully, the college allows us to pursue both programs in a laddered manner.
After finishing my CE degree and passing my board examination, I immediately started practicing my CE profession.
In my experience as a project engineer in the fabrication and installation of mechanically stabilized earth walls, we valorize wire-mesh residues by selling them to junk shops – closing the loop of the steel production chain.
While practicing material recovery, we use our proceeds to purchase snacks for our toolbox meetings.
Analogously, I realized how we could reduce accumulating electronic waste by proper retrieval of its above-ground resources.
This furthered my fascination with the crucial role of environmental engineers in shaping revolutionary product designs, business models, and policies that stimulate norms toward circularity.
For some, infrastructure development equates to ecological destruction.
Thus, to protect the ecosystem, is to stop building more structures.
As a civil engineer, I believe that the growing human population renders this idea unfeasible due to rising demands for housing, energy, water supply, wastewater treatment, and waste management facilities.
Indeed, our society faces the major challenge of striking a balance between the environmental, social, and economic aspects of sustainability and development.
With my exposure to these concerns and their corresponding engineering interventions, I decided to finish my BSEnSE study.
The ability to function while holding seemingly opposing ideas of economic progress and environmental protection gives me a feeling of mental excitement and challenges me to develop creative solutions.
What are your favorite subjects in your entire engineering study? How about least liked subjects?
I am naturally curious.
Over the course of my study, I developed a mindset that all subjects in the curriculum are fundamental to shaping me as a multi-dimensional professional. Thus, I am not bound to classify the one that is least liked.
If there were one, I think it was a temporary feeling prior to finding a way to connect it for future use.
I enjoyed acquiring as much knowledge and skill as I could in every course – whether it be considered a minor or major.
I am certain that for me to better function in my profession and relate with others, I should have a mix of skills in communication, economics, law, psychology, and even the arts.
For example, to perform one’s duties, he/she should maintain good health – physical education will teach us a range of physical activities.
Our communication and drafting courses train us to be effective in expressing ideas to clients and colleagues.
The principles of accounting and economics give us foundational concepts that are vital in making wise decisions as future construction managers.
This list goes on. In professional practice, we work not just with fellow engineers but with a wide range of allied professionals.
On contrary, there are subjects to which I gave relatively heightened attention.
I enjoyed design subjects like reinforced concrete and steel design, and my siblings even heard me solving design problems while asleep.
I suppose that this is because, through these courses, I get to feel the real deal of structural engineering.
I also liked studying Ecology and Environmental Laws, where I learned about biological levels of organization from species to the biosphere and corresponding measures to ensure environmental protection.
When one fully recognizes the benefits of learning a subject, one will not only enjoy but also love the process involved therein.
Have you had any subject failures or disappointing academic performance? If yes, what did you do about it? How did you cope?
I had my fair share of failures that I believe a lot can relate to.
I was a consistent honor student before college and never had the chance to fail one subject.
I will admit that my Algebra skills were not that cemented in high school, and it is due to this reason, I reckon, that I failed a subject – Differential Calculus.
This experience made me question my capacity to finish the program.
Still, after much thought, I realized that although it may seem uncomfortable, this test of character is integral to my development.
Knowing that I understood the concepts behind Calculus but was short of mathematical mastery to carry out its operations, I practiced my Algebra.
I was able to pass the subject for my second take.
Over time, I continued developing my mathematical skills.
After some time, I again failed on one subject, Hydraulics.
With my previous experience of facing disappointing academic performance, I then again did what had to be done – master the basics of fluid dynamics.
Such experience in Hydraulics enhanced my proficiency in the subject, even getting my highest mark of 92 in the Hydro-Geo section in my Civil Engineering Licensure Examination.
One thing I learned in facing failures is that victory tastes sweeter.
What are your most difficult and most painful experiences during college life? What are your greatest struggles while in college?
I experienced financial restraints.
Thankfully, after transferring to UC, my parents and relatives helped with my financial needs.
Any topnotcher study tips or tricks that you think others should emulate from you?
As cliché as this may sound but mastering the basic principles is the top priority.
Complex subjects become unbearable when one does not know foundational concepts.
We may have diverse learning techniques, but when I was in college, I was implicitly shifting between the diffuse mode and the focused mode of learning.
You may learn this technique from Dr. Barbara Oakley.
Another thing I do is go the extra mile by looking into supplementary readings and videos that are available online.
Do not rely on what is being taught inside the classroom.
As responsible college students, maximize learning by looking into these resources.
Lastly, to ensure cementing of concepts from your working memory to your long-term memory, teach what you have learned to others.
What is the best engineering school advice that you can give to other students?
Engineering school is a time for you to prepare for your professional careers.
Do not fall into the trap of procrastinating in acquiring a certain skill or knowledge.
By the time you become professional, a new set of skills will be required of you – founded on prerequisite knowledge you should have mastered from your college education.
Keep well-organized notes, especially those for specialization courses.
You will need them even in your professional practice.
Lastly, find ways to work efficiently.
The engineering profession is one that involves a lot of problem-solving.
Efficiency tools will help you focus on much more important tasks but ensure that you know the principle behind them.
Garbage in, garbage out.
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?
While preparing for my Sanitary Engineering Licensure Examination, one major challenge I encountered was balancing my focus on work and review.
I was already a college instructor then, and I had to give time for class preparations.
I took a term for my study leave, but days before the scheduled date (August 2021), I was under so much pressure and corrupting fear that I decided to back out.
I focused so much on what I was lacking and topics I had not studied yet.
I did not want to take it with this mindset and lose my one chance of topping the SE board – I was so afraid I would fail.
This may make me appear overly competitive, but It was more of a personal challenge I gave myself: to do better.
I said to myself, “I needed more time to review.”
The Sanitary Engineer license is a bonus credential I wanted to have.
I am already a licensed civil engineer, and I have this unfair advantage. I have an option not to take my exam but the desire to finish what I have started prevailed.
After several months, just as I thought I would feel very prepared – I was wrong.
Truly no one is a hundred percent ready. I decided to shift my focus from fear and negativity to attracting and declaring positive thoughts for myself.
Did you enroll in a center for your review? Do you recommend doing so? Which one did you go to?
If you have the capacity, I recommend enrolling in a review center, as the structure of subject progression will save you time.
Also, the handouts being distributed are of great help especially since the sanitary engineering board examination involves a lot of objective knowledge aside from the computations.
I enrolled in IntEnSE Engineering Review Center.
How did you find the board exam? Easy, average, or difficult?
It was difficult as expected.
The SE Board Exam is composed of six subjects – a combination of objective-type questions and computations ranging from basic to complex subjects.
There were even terms that I had only seen for the first time in my existence.
The computation parts related to Hydraulics have relatively average difficulty.
However, in my case, as a licensed civil engineer, we are exempted from taking the civil engineering exam on the second day.
Whenever I encountered a difficult question, I would whisper words of declaration that I would top the boards.
On the first subject of the last day, Wastewater Engineering – the hardest part, even if I was having a hard time, I opted to shift my focus to the good.
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?
During the three long and arduous days of the examination, I was in a state of excitement and calm.
From the start until my days of waiting, I envision myself topping the licensure examination.
Yes, it is cheesy.
I did my part, left it all to God, and took control of whatever was coming out of my mouth – words are powerful.
What did you do the first minute you discovered you topped the board exam?
At around 6 pm, I received a chat from my former student, who also took the board exam, informing me that I was a topnotcher.
Smiling ear-to-ear and full of excitement, I took my phone and, with my fingers shaking, Googled for the official results.
It’s as if time was too slow or my mobile data, I don’t know, it took several refreshes before I finally confirmed it on the PRC website.
My soul was jumping (I even do now, as I recall the moment).
I called my parents, and they were so proud.
It was indeed a wonderful experience.
Who do you owe your success to?
I owe my success first to God, the giver of wisdom.
I am grateful for my family, who has been of great support and inspiration, especially during my down times.
I thank my mom and dad, who taught me how to read with comprehension – it’s a pertinent skill in learning.
I also acknowledge my former instructors for imparting their knowledge and giving tough assessments to challenge my limits.
I thank my friends and colleagues for their acts of encouragement.
Lastly, I commend myself for showing up and sitting still in the grinding that produces the edge.
What incentives did you get from your university and review center after your board exam success?
I received social media congratulatory greetings from my university and my review center.
Aside from these, the city council of Baguio released a resolution acknowledging my academic achievement and the notable performance of our university.
Share your most effective study habits
In studying hard topics, be mindful that the first step is the hardest part.
If you want to master something, you must be willing to undergo this uncomfortable stage.
When you’ve developed a habit of accepting challenges and believing that you can do hard things, there is nothing that can prevent you from learning.
In this process, it is important to review the requisite concepts and take mental breaks.
Another effective study habit I have is listening to music.
Different learning activities may require a different genre of music.
For example, listening to ambient music helps in learning conceptual topics.
When solving mathematical problems, I listen to pop music. When reading, classical music fits best.
You may read about this technique from online sources.
In addition, having activities that keep you creative will help renew your energy.
Give 5 important tips for future board exam takers who aim to become topnotchers.
1. Eat healthily, exercise regularly, and take enough rest
2. Study smart, review the table of specifications of your licensure examination
3. Master the basics and practice problem-solving
4. Share your learnings with others
5. Pray and believe
My Family & Love Life
Describe your family, parents, siblings (and children if applicable)
I came from a simple family.
My parents are pastors.
I am the firstborn child, and I have three equally talented siblings.
My sister, Chrisma, is a graduate of Bachelor of Arts in Communication and is currently a media teacher in Cambodia.
My brother, Elijah, is taking up his degree in Bachelor of Science in Information Technology.
And my youngest sister, Shekinah, is set to finish culinary arts this year.
Did your parents encourage you to study engineer?
My parents were my guide, but it was my own decision to take up engineering.
Originally, I wanted to pursue a degree in the conservatory of music or culinary arts but considering financial restrictions and practicality, I looked for alternatives.
Looking back, my interest in engineering sparked when I was studying the history of early civilizations in high school.
I have always found myself in awe of how the early builders have designed structures upon what already exists, making them more efficient and useful.
Since then, the civil engineering profession, although not having its name yet, has been designed to meet the needs of man and communities at large.
It has been an integral part of nation-building: from infrastructure development, water supply systems, sewerage, transportation structures, and disaster mitigation, among others.
I wanted to be part of the nation’s progress.
In addition, I was very fond of geometry.
I also wanted to challenge my mathematical abilities, so I concluded that civil engineering was a good option.
As for environmental and sanitary engineering, it was a decision I made during college.
Are you in a relationship? Or it’s complicated?
Classified information. Hahaha!
The Future
Describe engineering in one word
Problem-solving
Why engineering is important in our society?
Engineering can generally be defined as the application of knowledge from a confluence of a wide range of subjects with the main goal of providing for societal needs.
Private and public facilities are constructed to solve problems related to the sustainability of cities, public health protection, environmental conservation, and infrastructures for economic activities, among others.
Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?
In ten years, after my advanced studies, I see myself equipped with the necessary skills, expertise, and a strong professional network from different local and international industries, ready to take the post of an environmental consultant.
By then, I will have accumulated the requisite level of proficiency and global connection to render expert technical assistance to members, partners, and governments to promote sustainability in social and economic development.
Still, I would love to continue teaching and pursue my research undertakings alongside my professional career.
More Inspiring Civil Engineering Topnotcher Stories
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Son of a Tricycle Driver Tops Civil Engineering Board Exam (Defying the Odds)
