Young couple from Paracelis, Mt. Province passed March 2023 LET together

A young couple who was once told they will never finish their studies after having a baby in their teenage years are now Licensed Professional Teachers.

Irish Buton and Michael Santos, both 23 and residents of Paracelis, Mt. Province passed the March 2023 Licensure Examination for Teachers(LET).

In an interview, Irish recounted they got pregnant with their 5-year-old daughter when they were only 18 years old and in 12th grade, earning them comments such as they will never get to graduate.

Even at their young age, the couple stood strong and finished senior high school. At the time, Irish who graduated with high honor was already carrying an 8-month old baby bump.

Two months after having their daughter, Irish and Michael enrolled Bachelor in Elementary Education at Ifugao State University – Potia Campus and received their diploma in August 2022. Irish graduated with Academic Achievers Award.

Reviewing Together

The couple had to leave their child in Paracelis to have their review in Tabuk City, Kalinga. The two rented a room in Bulanao.

Pressure and stress are among the factors people endure when preparing for the board exam, but for Irish and Michael, these were manageable as they have each other.

“Maganda sa pakiramdam magkaroon ng partner na review buddy. Dahil parehas kaming may determinasyon, minabuti naming nag review. May masasandalan ka lalo na't stressful ang pagrereview,” Irish shared.

‘Phobia ma-judge’

Irish added that what inspired them to even strive harder in the exam was to prove they can still achieve their dreams even they started their family earlier.

“Naging phobia na sa amin yung i-judge kami noon na maagang nagkapamilya kaya ngayon pinapatunayan namin na hindi hadlang ang pagkakaroon ng pamilya kung may determinasyon ka,” she conveyed.

‘Kailangan bumangon’

With her experience, Irish wants to tell teenage moms and dads not to forget their education as they take care of their family saying, “kahit nadapa, kaylangan bumangon para sa pamilya. Priority ang pamilya pero priority din ang education. Hindi lang future mo ang isipin mo kundi future din ng mga anak niyo.”

She acknowledged it is challenging to juggle school and family but having a degree provides better opportunities in the future.

“Mahirap man pagsabayin ang pamilya at pag aaral pero dapat kayanin. If you have willingness to sacrifice and determination, matutupad niyo ang mga plano at pangarap niyo,” she asserted.

Now that they are a Licensed Professional Teachers, Irish and Michael’s next plan is to get married.

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