CE Correlation is like a shifting sand and has changed face many times since it was implemented. From the Cruz-Chan-Gonzales to Cruz-Chan-Tan tandem and its changing policies and rules, one thing has stayed the same, the high mortality rate at every end of the term. Students cannot help but question "Is Correl effectively serving its purpose?
In order to understand Correl and what it is all about it is with paramount importance to have an in-depth look at the stories of the students taking this subject, its professors, the Dean, the students who made it through this hell course and the things that you should know about Correl that can truly revolutionize the way you think about this course.
The Untold Stories
This subject is not without its own drama. I know a student who was working to support her own family and made a decision to spend her earnings to finish her remaining subject which is Correl, only to fail and see her hard-earned money went down the drain. Another student who was abandoned by his family because of his long stay in MIT with 1 remaining subject, he then decided to earn money by gambling in PAGCOR in order to finish Correl, only to fail at the end of the term. I know a person who worked in a BPO call center company, spent long hours of work to earn money just to be able to enroll this subject, only to fail. I know people who are having hard times finding jobs because they are considered undergrad, again because of Correl. And so the stories go on and on. Hearing those stories I made a personal conclusion..."Correl sucks." I feel that this program Civil Engineering is like an inverted bottle with a stubborn cork which is Correl, putting pressure on the lid so the fluid cannot get out.
The Professors
Correl-the only subject which is composed of 3 Professors; the Cruz-Tan-Chan Tandem. According to Engr. Flordeliza Villaseñor it is also important to evaluate not only the students but the teachers as well to accurately measure the effectiveness of this subject and to rule out any doubt against its sole purpose-to prepare the students for the PRC board exam. In my own personal opinion, Engr. Cruz is truly an Academe. Every time he stands in front of the class he has this aura of confidence that assures the students he knows what he is talking about. While Engr. Fibor Tan is the most loved of the three because he is "The basic man." He invests on the basic principles of Fluid Mechanics to train the minds of the students. His ever so simplistic approach makes Fluid Mechanics both an enjoyable and productive learning experience. Dr. Chan on the other hand, has the most brilliant mind of the three but a poor conveyor of knowledge, Ever since the time when the "No solution No Credit" policy was implemented, Math became the deciding factor whether you will pass or fail Correl. I have murdered him a thousand times in my mind and has joined the band of the the blame game.
The Dreadful Dean
"Guilty I say"- there was a moment when I thought there will be a time when I will see the Mapuans united rallying against the Dean and his ever so popular SPG. This controversial SPG has sparked a united effort of the 16 brave students who wrote to the MIT President questioning its untimely implementation. It was implemented without a prior notice and even disregarded the Quiz No.1 in Correl-Design, placing the full weight on the Mock Board alone. It even raised the required grade to qualify for continuing status from 50% to 60%. The worst part was it made the PRC syllabus the basis for forming the problems on the Mock Board, that made it impossible for the teachers to teach all the topics but did not prevent them from giving them on the exam; surprising the students with questions that were not taught during lecture time. In my own thoughts I feel his harboring enmity from parents and students against him and it just showed how inexperience as a Dean he is. During the time when Engr. Divina Gonzales took up the job of being the OIC she experienced a lot of emotional stress trying to defend the SPG from parents who visited the office asking for consideration.
The Victors Marching Out
One time when I was at the temporary CE faculty, I was waiting for the Dean to show up at that time because I was considering to shift program. I was fed up and just wanting to move forward. Ms. Sheryll Cordero was also inside the office, she also had an experience of failing Correl once, before she finally passed, I had a small chat with her. I told her about my constant struggle in Correl and how much I hated taking it over and over again. She simply smile at me and asked 2 questions. "How much hours do you spend solving problems? and how many days do you reserve for review on Correl?" I was caught off-guard, I thought that my efforts were enough but considering the she was able to pass and for me to fail, there must be something wrong on how I put value on my time for Correl. The time makes all the difference. And so I decided to listen and to take notice of the untold stories of the people who were able to succeed and pass. I decided to look at the other side of the coin. The stories of students who made it through especially those who made it with a grade of 3. It was a challenging journey to say the least. The long and tedious hours of review in the library; there silent prayers knocking on heaven's door and there continuing battle in keeping depression and disillusionment at bay while keeping the faith and running the race. And finally, acquiring the sweet taste of victory and marching out as certified Mapuans head raised up high. There indescribable smiles after looking at the posted list of grades made me want to experience it too more than ever. What were their secrets?
The Revolutionizing Truth
1. They paid the Price."The greatness of a man is determine by the cause he lives for and his willingness to pay the price to achieve it." We all have something to protect (dreams, family, ambitions) the victors all held on to all of it during their agonizing journey that made the whole race worth fighting for.
2. They did not join the Blame game. Among the three subjects Math is the hardest to teach. With only 2 and half months to teach it, still it will never be enough. Nevertheless, Sir Chan is doing his very best to teach. Math is not made to be spoon fed. You must take time to learn on your own so that during lectures there is something that can hook your mind on to. Its hard to understand Dr. Chan because you do not have anything on your head that can relate to his teachings. Spend time learning Math and you will appreciate Dr. Chan more and more. We are fortunate to have a PhD professor in our school.
3. They all Accepted the Inconvenient Truth. Being the Dean of CE is a difficult job because most of the time you need to make unpopular decisions. Every day Sir Aldrin Uy faces the difficult dilemma on how to increase the passing rate of Mapuans. As much as he wants to set us all free he, together with all the faculties, want to ensure that we are all ready and competent to face the real world. Whether he will be a good Dean like the great Deans before him only time will tell.
4. They all went under fire. Gold and silver are refined by fire so as Mapuans. Only by fire can impurities disappear. Maturity is the by-product of facing Correl. They all knew that Correl is just a prelude of the real difficulty of passing the PRC Board Exam.
5. They believe that the battlefield is on the mind. Saying no to facebook, dota and texting for long hours is hard but through time management and commitment they treasured each minute that they can spend for reviewing and solving problems. Every minute you spend in solving makes you wiser and confident thus, completely erasing fear and doubt during the exam.
6. They all turned to God. Faith can move mountains. An excerpt from The Alchemist says that if you truly want something, the universe conspire to help you achieve it.
In the end of the day it is you who is responsible for your own future. So I hope that you too can have your own personal revelations of what you have learned while you are taking up CE Correlation and finally answer the question "Is Correl effectively serving its purpose?"
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