ROCKY ESTOQUE: HIS FATE SOLIDIFIED HARD AS ROCK

PERSONALITY

Along the busy road beside the MMSU Twin Gate, he passes by the assemblage of banners and tarpaulins of topnotchers from the different licensure examinations produced by Mariano Marcos State University. He suddenly stopped and raised his left hand towards the topnotcher from his college – he prayed and asked for benediction from the tarpaulin to manifest that one day, his face will also be shown on that exact location. Looking so antic, Rocky breathed in the possibility of making his dreams come true, and continued with his usual day – mastering chemistry. As a freshly-licensed Chemical Technician, Rocky Estoque opens his heart to teaching future chemical technicians and engineers with the hopes of giving back to the institution who molded him into the person he is today. SEALING HIS FATE The Sciences and Engineering are natural things that are embedded in Estoque ever since the beginning of his education. Recalling his college admission days, Estoque initially aimed to enroll himself in an Aeronautical Engineering course. But for most people, there are times that our plans do not work in our favor. Estoque was forced to enroll in another program, due to the limited course offerings, and university choices, as he was a DOST Scholar. Hence, Chemical Engineering at the College of Engineering of MMSU. “I was unsure about chemical engineering in the beginning. But as time went by, I started to get a hang of the course, and found love for chemistry. I am now very passionate about it and I do not regret my decision, because Chemical Engineering has a way to it.” says Estoque, chronicling his admission story. THE GLEAM AND GLARE OF COLLEGE From chemical bonding and solving complex problems, Estoque rose above every adversities, and graduated as Magna Cum Laude – but he said that his journey in earning his diploma was a roller coaster ride full of emotions. Estoque recounts the obstacles he had to overcome during his 5-year stay at MMSU-COE. Among the set-backs, he said that it was in his junior and senior years, when he experienced heavy hardships and disappointments. Just like any college student, this Iskolar ng Bayan also has his fair share of low and barely-passing exam scores. The lectures and problem sets given by his professors became more technical. Despite everything, he still managed to R James Carlo R. Lucas

ROCKY ESTOQUE:

His Fate Solidified Hard As Rock

serve as the Vice President of his course’s organization - Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers. His whole journey became worthwhile with the help of his friends and classmates. Estoque also reiterated the importance of choosing the right friends, with whom you can share common struggles. He shares, “Having my friends beside me made my college years bearable. They serve as my support system whenever I have problems. I would also advise the younger Stallions to always ask for help. Realize that we do not have all the knowledge that we need… therefore, you should be an open page for knowledge and suggestions. Be kind and understanding in all aspects.”

SHACKLES OF COVID-19

The spark ignited by chemistry became Estoque’s driving force for all of his hard work. However, the impact of Covid-19 pandemic caused so much distress to his batch. From aiming to practice his passion for chemistry, he soon found himself in isolation and uncertainties. “My batch mates and I were very frustrated, because we did not know what to prioritize. Initially, I reviewed for Chemical Engineering Licensure Exam, but unfortunately, it was cancelled due to the pandemic, and on top of that, I got sick during that time. My review also has its own story of adversities because it was done online, and I was living alone in Batac.”.

After all of the contemplations, Estoque decided to take the Licensure Exam for Chemical Technicians. Given the stress brought by the virus, and the exam itself, he still went through all the rigorous processes set by CoVid-19 restrictions, in order to travel to Baguio City, and take the exam physically. Along the way, MMSU and the College of Engineering were supportive to his batch, “MMSU helped the examinees to get their CoViD-19 vaccines, for us to tbe able to travel safely, and COE also gave us safety and sanitary kits prior to our examination.” Estoque shared.

Notwithstanding the disappointments and reversals, Estoque achieved what he manifested years ago. He passed the October 2021 Chemical Technician Licensure Examination and placed 9th with 87.50 passing rate. It is truly evident that the moment of victory is sweeter, when you’ve patiently waited and worked hard for it. Therefore, you will appreciate the fruits of your labor even more.

FOR THE STALLIONS

“I am applying for a position in Mariano Marcos State University. While waiting for the Licensure Exam for Chemical Engineers in May 2022, I’ll try to balance my work and my review.” Estoque shared joyfully, after being asked about what’s next for him.

As an Iskolar ng Bayan, Estoque is committed to giving back to MMSU and to help his adings achieve whatever dreams and aspirations they may have. As of this writing, Estoque’s congratulatory tarpaulin is posted at the exact same location, where he prayed and asked for benediction – like it had always been his fate. Younger students from his college are now the ones who are asking for benediction from his tarpaulin – it is a beacon of hope, and an image of possibility. A solid proof that hard work really never betrays.