The Dreamer: Maricar Z. Jerusalem
Degree: BSED Major in FILIPINO
Class of: 2021
Beyond Self-Doubt to Top 7: How DEBESMSCAT Alumna Maricar Jerusalem Turned Quiet Fear into National Triumph
When the results of the October 2022 Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) were officially released, one name shone brightly among the nation’s elite examinees: Maricar Z. Jerusalem. Securing the Rank 7 spot nationwide with an outstanding 93% rating at the Secondary Level, Maricar brought immense pride to her Alma Mater, Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture and Technology (DEBESMSCAT).
To the world, her achievement was a triumphant display of academic mastery. But behind the topnotcher graphic and national accolades lies a deeply personal journey, one defined by breaking through self-doubt, embracing quiet mentorship, and turning a simple dream into a life of purpose.
The Spark of Transformation: Overcoming the Inner Critic
When Maricar first walked onto the DEBESMSCAT campus as a Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSED) major in Filipino, her primary ambition was simple: to graduate and become a Licensed Professional Teacher. Yet, like many aspiring educators, her biggest hurdle was not the heavy coursework or long study hours, but the silent doubt holding her back from her full potential.
Everything changed through a single, profound encounter with one of her professors, Mrs. Marivic Llarena.
“Ikaw kasi, hindi ka nagtitiwala sa sarili mong kakayahan,” Mrs. Llarena gently reminded her one day.
Those simple words, “You just don’t trust in your own abilities”, struck a deep chord in Maricar’s heart.
“Sa payak na pangungusap na iyon, may isang aral na unti-unting tumimo sa aking puso, na kung minsan, ang pinakamalaking hadlang sa ating tagumpay ay ang pagdududa natin sa ating sarili,” Maricar shares.
From that moment on, she decided to stop running from challenges. She leaned into her potential, embraced every opportunity with courage, and allowed her natural talents to shine brightly alongside self-belief.
From Private Classrooms to National Recognition
After graduating with the DEBESMSCAT Class of 2021, Maricar began her teaching career in a private school. Balancing her daily teaching responsibilities with grueling review sessions for the board exam, she poured her heart, restless nights, and unwavering effort into her preparation.
Her sacrifices paid off in full when she not only passed the LET, but emerged as Rank 7 nationwide.
With her license in hand, she returned to DEBESMSCAT to serve as a contractual instructor while simultaneously pursuing her master’s degree. Two years later, her persistent efforts bore even more fruit as she secured a permanent Teacher I position in the Department of Education, currently serving at Bayombon High School.
Her path was neither straight nor easy. It was paved with fatigue, uncertainty, and moments where she had to fight past her own worries. But through every hurdle, she learned that dreams are not merely waited on—they are worked for, fought for, and believed into reality.
Paying It Forward: Guiding the Next Generation of Teachers
Today, Maricar uses her skills and platform to create a lasting, meaningful impact both inside and outside the public school classroom. At Bayombon High School, she helps her young students discover their worth and build confidence in their own abilities.
Beyond her high school learners, Maricar also serves as a lecturer at a LET review center. Drawing directly from her experience as a national topnotcher, she guides education graduates as they prepare for their own board exams.
“Alam ko kung gaano kahaba at kahirap ang daan tungo sa lisensya, kaya nais kong iparamdam sa kanila na hindi sila nag-iisa sa pag-abot ng kanilang pangarap,” she reflects.
Words of Wisdom for Future Transformers
To the current students of DEBESMSCAT who are just beginning their own transformative journeys, the Top 7 LET board passer offers heartfelt encouragement grounded in her own story
“Ang payo ko sa mga estudyanteng nagsisimula pa lamang sa kanilang paglalakbay ay matutong maniwala sa kanilang sarili. Huwag matakot magsimula sa maliit, magkamali, o mabigo, sapagkat ang bawat pagkakamali at kabiguan ay bahagi ng proseso ng paglago.” Maricar Jerusalem’s life stands as a testament for every DEBESMSCAT student: when you finally learn to believe in your own potential, the distant dreams you once doubted will gradually take shape right before your eyes.
Ladies and gentlemen,
