Smile For Me, Ressler

25

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

Consistency

I filled out my profile with my personal information, a required photo, the licensure exam I'm applying for and the schedule I prefer. I was also asked to settle my application fee either over the counter or online, pero inasikaso na agad ni Ressler 'yon para sa 'kin.

After I completed the whole online registration process, I printed out my completed form.

"Hey, nakapili ka na ng date and time of appointment?" I asked Marcus pagkasagot na pagkasagot niya pa lang no'ng tawag ko.

"Not yet. Ikaw ba?"

"Pipili pa lang."

"Alright, send me your schedule for appointment kapag nakapili ka na para iyon rin ang pipiliin ko," he said before ending the call.

I selected a date and time on the online registration as to when my appointment at the PRC would be and the next thing I need to do is show up.

I got the necessary documentary stamps from the PRC Customer Service and submitted all my requirements at the Processing Counter. After that, I got my PERRC (Permanent Examination & Registration Record Card) which should be accomplished immediately.

I submitted the metered mailing envelope that includes my processed application form and my requirements at the Issuance Counter. After submitting the metered mailing envelope, I claimed my NOA (Notice of Admission). Attached to this was my program of examination and the metered mailing envelope.

Registration for board exam was really exhausting but it has also made me feel the excitement I've never felt before. Yes, exciting 'yong college life as an Arki student. Yes, sobrang saya ng experience ko no'ng apprenticeship kasi ang dami kong natutunan and I've met a lot of new people na nakatulong sa 'kin makarating sa araw na 'to, preparing for boards. But I've never felt this excited. Ngayon lang.

By the way, parehas kami ni Marcus—we finished studying architecture within three years lang. Dahil wala naman kaming minor subjects, pinayagan kami sa Vera University na i-take na 'yong mga subjects na puwede naming i-take nang maaga dahil may mga special class naman for advanced courses. Kahit 'yong Design 1-10, parehas kami ni Marcus nag-enroll for special classes na tatlong Design every sem ang ino-ooffer kaya mabilis naming natapos mga major namin. In-adjust talaga namin ng sobra ang major subjects namin at napadali naman kami doon dahil may connections ang parents ni Marcus sa Vera University kaya natulungan rin kami makiusap sa gano'ng bagay. Marami rin naman kasi talagang instructor sa major subjects sa Architecture sa Vera kaya hindi na rin nagkaproblema sa courses and schedule. Then two years apprenticeship pa rin ang ginawa namin dahil required talaga before mag-file for board exam.

Pagkauwing-pagkauwi ko sa bahay, may naghihintay pala sa 'kin na sorpresa. Si Mama at si Papa, nakangiti habang nakatayo doon katabi ang kaibigan kong si Marcus at Brook. Sila Miguel at Franco rin nasa tabi naman ni Kuya Kylo.

At si Ressler, naglalakad papalapit sa 'kin, flashing me the brightest smile he can ever give. He's holding a cake, and they all started singing a happy birthday song for me.

Sa sobrang pagka-busy ko sa pag-aasikaso ng requirements ko, nakalimutan kong 26th birthday ko nga pala ngayon.

"Happy birthday, Tam."

I closed my eyes to make a wish.

Please, I need to pass the board exam.

And sana, lagi akong masaya pati ang mga taong mahal ko.