SAN ENRIQUE, ILOILO – Emelyn Faeldonia, an educator from Barangay Quinolpan, San Enrique, Iloilo, has proven that perseverance and determination can lead to success despite setbacks.
Faeldonia, a Bachelor of Elementary Education graduate with a Specialization in Early Childhood Education from West Visayas State University, shared her inspiring journey in an interview with Bombo Radyo Iloilo.
Educational Background:
- Elementary: Gines-Quinolpan Elementary School (Salutatorian)
- High School: Passi National High School (With Honors)
- College: West Visayas State University (Sea-Teacher Exchange Program Representative, Chiang Mai Rajabhat University, Thailand)
Struggles and Triumphs in Teaching
Faeldonia’s journey was not easy. She first took the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) in 2019 but failed. This was one of the most challenging moments in her career.
“The hardest part was not knowing where to start again after failing LET,” she recalled. “I also had to deal with the reactions of people around me.”
Despite the setback, she did not give up. In 2023, she took the LET again and passed.
She then started her teaching career as a preschool teacher at the College of St. John-Roxas, where she worked for four years before deciding to move to Thailand in July 2023.
Finding Opportunities in Thailand
Her transition to Thailand was not easy. “At first, it was very difficult to find a job. I submitted a lot of applications, did several demo lessons, and even ran out of money,” Faeldonia shared.
However, her persistence paid off when, in August 2023, she was hired by an international school, where she worked with students with special needs. By June 2024, she secured a position at a Catholic school, where she now works as a preschool teacher.
Her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring educators, proving that resilience and determination can turn failures into stepping stones for success.
