From farming to engineering: The son of a farmer tops engineering board exam despite adversities. This engineering topnotcher plans to feed the world.
Our journey toward our dreams is never easy.
Encountering problems along the way is inevitable, and we are free to choose whether we will back out or we’ll keep on moving forward.
Engr. Estanislao Alim IV (Jed) had his fair share of problems while trying to complete his bachelor’s degree and preparing for the Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Board Exam.
But he bravely faced his problems alongside his parents and successfully finished college.
That’s not all. He also managed to land in the Top 2 in the October 2019 ABE Board Exam with a rating of 82.31%.
During an interview with GineersNow, we found out how he overcame them.
Story Highlights
- Course: Agricultural and Biosystems
- Rank: Top 2
- Score: 82.31%
- School: Bicol University
- Review Center: WeNil’s Consultancy and Capability Enhancement Center
- Challenges: Financially broke
- Father: Farmer
- Mother: Handycraft maker
Parents’ Influence
Like any one of us, Estanislao Alim IV, or simply Jed, also had his source of inspiration when he was about to pick his college course.
In his case, it was his parents. His father is a freelance farm consultant and a farmer, while his mother works as a food processor and a handicraft maker.
Their jobs inspired him to take up a course related to agriculture.
His interest in this field also developed as his family lived on a farm, and he grew up learning about his environment.
While he was a high school student, Jed began dreaming of obtaining an engineering degree as he found studying both Physics and Mathematics enjoyable.
Instead of choosing just one between agriculture and engineering, Jed decided to combine them and take the Agricultural Engineering course after his father introduced him to it.
He then enrolled at Bicol University with the said course.
Engineering College
In college, Jed was your typical student.
He enjoyed taking engineering design subjects with agriculture applications.
And while he still found some of his subjects really difficult to understand.
He was still able to get passing grades as he made sure to have a disciplined study habit.
From the outside, it looked like Jed didn’t have any worries in the world.
However, it was far from reality.
The Struggle is Real
He and his family actually struggled financially.
Given that he grew up in a family with an average income, he had multiple problems related to money.
In particular, he experienced delays in paying rent, had an insufficient allowance for his personal and educational needs, and also had difficulty in paying tuition fees.
But lucky for him, his parents were no quitters.
They didn’t give up on his and his siblings’ dreams.
His mom decided to sell handicrafts while his dad worked outside Bicol to ensure their financial needs were met.
Aside from financial worries, another thing that somehow affected Jed’s studies was living all by himself away from home.
He had to stay close to his school, and so the only option was to leave home and rent a unit.
Despite the hindrances that came, this aspiring engineer was able to graduate and earn a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering.
He then started to review for the ABE licensure exam.
At first, Jed was hesitant to enroll in a review center due to their financial struggles.
He knew how much a review center would cost, and he didn’t want to be a burden to his family anymore.
However, his parents encouraged him to enroll and even provided him with money to cover his expenses.
Luckily, the review center he enrolled in accepts partial payments, so he was able to prepare for the board exam well.
But while the financial part was taken care of, Jed had another problem to face–the number of topics he was still not familiar with.
Studied at the Hospital
To ensure he learned every single thing, he came up with a study plan.
He created and followed a month-long schedule, which helped him have a thorough and organized review.
When everything was already going smoothly, another problem came during the last month of his board exam preparation.
His mother was hospitalized, so he had to return home to watch over her.
Every time he was at the hospital, Jed still took the time to review.
He brought his reviewers with him and continued reading and practicing solving math problems.
He didn’t let any time go to waste, especially since his board exam was fast approaching.
Although many problems surrounded him at that time, he didn’t let them interfere with his review sessions.
He was aiming for the top of the board exam, so he paid close attention to his review materials.
The day of the board examination ultimately came, and Jed was ready for it.
However, he found the exam difficult, especially the first part of the board examination:
- Agricultural Processing
- Agricultural Structures
- Rural Electrification
- Allied Subjects
He had trouble answering those section as it was very diverse for him.
He also found questions related to the Philippine Agricultural Engineering Standards, which he was yet to master.
While he aimed to be a topnotcher while reviewing, he didn’t expect to either pass or top the board after taking the exam.
All he wanted was to get even just a passing rate.
But a passing rate wasn’t the only one he obtained when the results were officially out.
His name was included in the list of topnotchers as well, and this surely left him shocked.
He and his family were already celebrating when they saw his name on the list of passers, but they were overjoyed when he also topped the board exam.
Tears were shed at that moment.
Below is a full transcript of Engr. Estanislao’s interview with GineersNow.
My Student Life
1. Why did you choose this course? Who or what was your inspiration?
My inspiration for choosing this course was my parents’.
My father was a freelance farm consultant and farmer, while my mother was a food processor and handicraft maker.
I grew up on a farm, where I developed an interest in taking agriculture-related courses.
When I was in high school, I loved Physics and Mathematics, so I started dreaming of having an engineering degree.
My father then introduced the Agricultural Engineering course to me, which helped me decide to apply for a BS in Agricultural Engineering at Bicol University.
I passed the entrance exam and enrolled in the course.
2. What are your favorite subjects in your entire engineering study? How about least liked subjects?
My favorite subjects are:
a) Irrigation and Drainage Engineering,
b)Agricultural Power and Machinery,
c) Agricultural Structures Engineering
d) Refrigeration Engineering and
e) Engineering Mechanics.
I loved engineering design subjects applied to agriculture.
While I don’t have “least liked subjects,” there are subjects that I found really difficult in my Agricultural Engineering journey.
Among these are,
a) Calculus
b) Engineering Economy
c) Principles of Soil Science
3. Have you had any subject failures or disappointing academic performance? If yes, what did you do about it? How did you cope?
I haven’t had any subject failures, but my grades weren’t high or excellent.
I can say that I have an average performance as a student.
I just make sure that I have a disciplined study habit without compromising my well-being.
4. Greatest struggles in college?
As a typical student growing up in an average-income family with having high value on education and living away from home.
The greatest struggle I had was the low financial capability to sustain educational needs.
We experienced delays in paying rent, insufficient allowance to sustain both personal and educational needs, and even difficulty in paying tuition fees.
But, my parents didn’t give up on our dreams.
They worked harder and even borrowed money; my father had to work outside Bicol to ensure that financial necessities were provided.
My mother sold handicrafts to augment the daily finances of the family.
As the eldest child, it was painful seeing your parents struggle.
Moreover, living alone away from home is so sad.
5. Any topnotcher study tips or tricks that you think others should emulate from you?
Start organizing your notes as early as possible.
Even if you are still on your undergraduate level, know the table of specifications of your board exam.
Then, start collecting, organizing, and reading reviewers from different sources.
Make a study plan or schedule.
Remember, there are 24 hours in one day.
Even if you sleep 8 hours, you still have 16 hours of time to manage.
Read your notes and practice problem-solving for at least one hour every day.
Do not memorize. Rather, understand the concept behind the formulas.
Watching youtube tutorials is also highly recommended to enhance your knowledge.
It is highly recommended to attend a group study and review.
Asking questions and sharing your knowledge with peers is an effective way of learning.
Take every exam seriously.
Whether it’s a short quiz or a long quiz, make sure you are prepared.
If you fail an exam, study and make sure you get it the next time.
Invest in books.
Despite the accessibility of reading materials in digital format and YouTube videos over the internet, it is recommended to read books.
Whenever capable, buy or borrow books and read.
Take a break and be healthy.
It is recommended to take a break from time to time.
You can play games, go for a nature walk, and even bond with friends.
Most importantly, KEEP YOUR FAITH.
Always pray. Come what may. Be it failure or success, – PRAY.
6. What is the best engineering school advice that you can give to other students?
It won’t be easy, but it’s worth it.
Engineering school will never be easy, so you have to be strong.
Surround yourself with good friends.
Just work hard and have fun until you get that “ENGR” before your name.
My Board Exam Experience
1. What were the greatest struggles that you experienced while preparing for the board exam? What did you do to overcome them?
The same when I was in college, our (my family’s) greatest struggle was money.
My parents still encouraged me to enroll in a review center.
They even provided my expenses to ensure that I could achieve my dream.
Thankfully, the review center accepts partial payments, so I managed to enroll.
Also another difficult part of the board exam preparation was realizing that I still have so much to learn.
To cope with that, I made my study plan and established and followed a month-long schedule.
During the last month of my preparation, my mother was sent to the hospital, so I had to go home.
But, I ensured that I still read and even brought reviewers to the hospital.
During the review, I just aimed for the top and worked harder.
I ensured that I utilized every time to read and practice solving problems.
I tried not to let my problems interfere with my review sessions.
I just make sure that I have time to rest and enjoy my hobbies, such as sleeping and playing mobile games.
I always think that I have to succeed to make my parents proud because they deserve it.
Most importantly, I ensure that I go to Church every day to say my devotional prayers (‘panata‘).
I always prayed to God to help me be strong, so my struggles won’t interfere with my dreams and make my success His Will.
2. Did you enroll in a center for your review? Do you recommend doing so? Which one did you go to?
Yes. I enrolled at WeNil’s Consultancy and Capability Enhancement Center.
While it does not guarantee passing the exam, I recommend enrolling in a center.
This is to ensure a well-programmed study plan and a chance to ask questions from review instructors and even from co-reviewees, and access to up-to-date review materials and techniques.
If one can’t afford to enroll in a review center, make sure you join a study group.
Reviewing alone all throughout the preparation phase is not recommended.
3. How did you find the board exam? Easy, average, or difficult?
I found the board exam difficult.
Especially the first part, Agricultural Processing, Agricultural Structures, Rural Electrification, and Allied Subjects.
They were difficult because it was very diverse and included questions on the Philippine Agricultural Engineering Standards.
4. 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?
While I aimed and worked hard for the top, I didn’t expect either passing or topping after the exam.
In fact, I just wished to pass the exam.
5. What did you do the first minute you discovered you topped the board exam?
I was shocked the moment I saw my name on the list of topnotchers.
My family and I were already celebrating when I saw my name on the list of passers until I unexpectedly saw my name on the list of topnotchers.
It was tearful.
I cheerfully told my mother and siblings that I had topped the exam.
We called my father (who was working in Batangas at that time) to tell him the news.
But, I never forgot to thank God for giving me more than what I asked for.
6. Who do you owe your success to?
First, I owe my success to God, who gave me the strength to overcome my struggles and give good health to me and my parents.
I also owe my success to my parents, who sacrificed so much for us.
Also, I owe my success to my former teachers and professors, who tirelessly and patiently imparted to us their knowledge and wisdom.
Lastly, to my girlfriend and friends who were there during my struggles.
7. Share your most effective study habits
Taking notes during lectures is important.
At the end of each day, take a rest and take a quick scan of your notes to recapitulate what has been taught in your class.
Then, get back to it at your most productive time.
In my case, I read my notes again early in the morning the next day.
Others might be more productive during nighttime.
Also, never get contented with what has been taught.
Especially on mathematical and design computations.
Learn more ways to approach every problem, study the concept behind the formulas, and watch how formulas are applied.
These can be learned further through YouTube Channels and Engineering blogs like GineersNow.
9. Give 5 important tips for future board exam takers who aim to become topnotchers.
1. Pray before anything else.
2. Aim for the top and work for it
3. Start preparing for your freshman year
4. Read and understand your notes.
5. Finish your course and take the licensure exam.
The Future
1. Describe engineering in one word.
Challenging
2. Why is engineering important in our society?
Engineering is important in our society to make sure society can adapt to this rapidly changing world.
For example, agricultural and biosystems engineers make sure food security and sustainability can be achieved.
Amidst rapid population growth, climate change, and industrialization, developing technologies to boost agricultural production and improve agricultural processing.
3. Where do you see yourself ten years from now?
My life 10 years from now is not something I often think about.
One thing is for sure – I am a 34-year-old engineer.
But, the vision I had for my life ahead is that I become a doctorate degree holder in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering.
With several agricultural machines and technologies developed and/or manufactured by my team.
I also dream of making these technologies locally available to the farmers so I can be an agent of agricultural development in the Philippines.
Most importantly, a simple living man with a happy, God-fearing family.
— end of interview —
Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering: Feeding the World
As the world’s population continues to grow, so makes the demand for food.
Agricultural and biosystems engineers are working to meet this demand by improving the efficiency of food production systems.
They do this by developing new technologies and processes for growing crops, raising livestock, and processing food.
Agricultural and biosystems engineers are essential to feeding the world’s growing population.
Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering is a field of study that focuses on the design and implementation of systems that produce food, fuel, and other products from plants and animals.
The field of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering has a long history of helping to feed the world’s population, and it continues to play a vital role in meeting the challenges of feeding a growing population.
Engineering for food security
Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering is a field of engineering that deals with the production, processing, and distribution of food.
The goal of agricultural and biosystem engineering is to produce safe, nutritious, and affordable food for the world’s population.
There are many challenges to food security, including climate change, water scarcity, soil degradation, and pests.
Agricultural and biosystems engineers work to develop solutions to these problems.
For example, they may develop new irrigation systems that use less water or design new crop varieties that are more resistant to drought.
Agricultural and biosystems engineers play a vital role in ensuring that the world’s population has access to safe, nutritious food.
Their work is essential to feeding the world’s growing population in a sustainable way.
The role of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
The role of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering is to develop and apply engineering principles to solve problems in the food, fiber, and natural resources system.
Agricultural engineers work with farmers, ranchers, and foresters to solve production, processing, marketing, environmental, and natural resource problems.
Biosystems engineers work with biologists in areas such as bioremediation and biofuel production.
Agricultural and biosystems engineers are uniquely qualified to address the world’s food security issues.
They have the knowledge and skills to increase crop yields while conserving natural resources.
They can develop systems for more efficient use of water, energy, and other inputs.
They can also help reduce food waste throughout the supply chain from farm to table.
In order to feed the world’s growing population, we need to produce more food with fewer resources.
The future of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
As the world’s population continues to grow, so makes the demand for food.
Agricultural and biosystems engineers play a vital role in meeting this demand by developing more efficient and sustainable ways to produce food.
Looking to the future, agricultural and biosystems engineers will continue to face the challenge of feeding an ever-growing population.
They will need to be creative in their solutions and continue to develop new technologies that can help increase food production while also protecting natural resources.
With the right tools and technologies, agricultural and biosystems engineers can help ensure that everyone has enough to eat now and in the future.
Agricultural and biosystems engineering is critical to feeding the world.
Agricultural and biosystems engineering is critical to feeding the world.
The world’s population is projected to reach 9.1 billion by 2050, and agricultural and biosystem engineers will play a key role in meeting the increased demand for food.
They will need to develop more efficient methods of production, storage, and distribution to meet the needs of a growing population.
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that the world will need to produce 70 percent more food by 2050 to feed the additional 2.3 billion people expected to be living on Earth.
Agricultural and biosystems engineers will need to find ways to increase production without depleting resources or harming the environment.
They will also need to develop systems that can distribute food more efficiently to those who need it most.
FAQ About Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
What is Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering?
Agricultural and biosystems engineering is the application of engineering principles and technologies to solve problems in the food, fiber, agroforestry, natural resources, and environmental sciences.
Why is Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Important?
Agricultural and biosystems engineering is important because it helps to produce food, fiber, and other products while conserving natural resources.
What Are Some Examples of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering?
Some examples of agricultural and biosystem engineering include irrigation systems, crop storage facilities, and greenhouses.
How Does Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Help Feed the World
Agricultural and biosystems engineering is a field of engineering that applies principles of engineering, biology, and physical sciences.
The aim is to solve problems associated with agricultural production, the food system, and natural resources.
Agricultural and biosystems engineers work in areas such as food processing, environmental health, renewable energy, biotechnology, and farm management.
They develop solutions that help farmers increase yields while conserving natural resources.
To meet the demand for food, farmers will need to produce 70% more food than they do today.
Agricultural and biosystems engineers are working to develop sustainable solutions to help farmers increase yields without damaging the environment.
One example of how agricultural and biosystems engineers like Engr. Jed is helping farmers feed the world through precision agriculture.
