I wanna be ?? when I grow up...

So what you gonna be when you grow up? My father asked me this question when I was still a little girl. In answer to him, I hummed the tune of  "Que Sera, Sera",  What ever will be,  will be". This song was in my head even at that early age.

What I actually wanted was to have a title besides my name. I remember  there were moments that I tried to imagine being a Doctor or a Lawyer.  Then reality came crushing, a doctor?? No, that's not gonna happen ..  too expensive ,  Mama and Papa  can’t afford it besides, my head said, a disabled person could not be a doctor. OK, so how about a lawyer???  Hmm… still expensive and requires lots of years in school.

Diploma in Civil Engineering
Technology

I got an Aha!!! moment when I received the letter that I was accepted in the Engineering Technology Department in one of the good schools in Mindanao, Philippines. It was clear then, I want to be an Engineer. Money was a constraint, so I had to take the Diploma of Civil Engineering Technology first because I didn't have to pay tuition fee plus I received a monthly allowance from the school for the entire duration of this 3-year program.

Getting to the Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering degree was harder than ever financially, because by then my father was already dead due to politics and unrest in the area, where he was farming. It was only my mother who struggled and solely paid for mine and my two siblings' education. But hard work and commitment to my studies finally brought me the title I dreamed for. In 1992, I received my license as a full-pledged Civil Engineer.

During the Oath Taking
Ceremony

In the Philippines, you are fortunate if you get a job that is inline with your education. As for me, it was not part of my plan to work in construction sites - I had bad experience of tripping and stumbling at job site during practicum classes. My plan was to work in an office like those that designed and planned structures or in an office that evaluate plans and designs of structures. I did not achieved this plan  right away. I had  two non-engineering jobs before I finally got the position as a Building Inspector in the Office of the City Building Official in our place.

I was also actively involved in our local disabled organization. The group wanted someone from the disabled sector to be employed in the Building Office,  to monitor and implement the Accessibility Law. This led to my designation as the Accessibility Officer of the Office of the City Building Official, year 1998-2005.

Job Description

Now that I'm living here in Canada,  my  title as an "Engineer" is not recognized anymore. I have to go back to school and take the exam to become a Professional Engineer here. But it was my Engineering degree and work that got me and my family to be accepted as skilled worker immigrant. It also helped me got the job that I have now. 

Through this all, It was the hard work and sacrifices of my parents, specially my Mama who helped and guide me to achieve my plans and dreams. For that, I am thankful to the Lord, my God.