04/06/2026
From Passion to Purpose: Susan L. Dela Cruzโs ETEEAP Journey
For many working professionals, earning a college degree while managing career and personal responsibilities can seem like a distant dream. For Susan L. Dela Cruz, however, that dream became a reality through the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP).
In 2024, Susan successfully completed her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration major in Operations Management at Emilio Aguinaldo College, proving that determination, perseverance, and a commitment to lifelong learning can lead to meaningful personal and professional growth.
Currently serving as a Teacher at the Rural Improvement Clubs Children Center, Susan has dedicated her career to nurturing young learners and contributing to the development of her community through education. Her decision to pursue ETEEAP stemmed from a desire to continuously improve herself and gain greater credibility in her profession.
โI was motivated to enroll in ETEEAP to continuously upskill, grow in my profession, and gain greater credibility and personal fulfillment in what I do,โ she shared.
Like many adult learners, Susan faced significant challenges while completing the program. Balancing work responsibilities with academic requirements demanded discipline, effective time management, and unwavering commitment.
โOne of the biggest challenges I faced was balancing my responsibilities, especially managing my time between work and academic requirements. Despite this, I remained committed and was able to successfully make it work,โ she recalled.
Her perseverance paid off. Beyond earning a degree, Susan gained valuable knowledge and practical insights that she now applies in her workplace. The principles and theories she learned through the program have helped her contribute more effectively to the management and improvement of school operations.
โETEEAP has greatly influenced both my career and personal life. The principles and theories I learned are now things I apply in improving how we run the school,โ she said.
The experience also enriched her life in unexpected ways. Through the program, she built meaningful relationships and formed lasting friendships with fellow learners and alumni i.e., connections that continue to inspire and support her professional journey.
After graduation, Susan found herself more confident and prepared to take on greater responsibilities. She has become more actively involved in enhancing school operations and creating a better learning environment for children. At the same time, new opportunities for professional growth and continuous learning have opened before her.
Reflecting on her accomplishments, Susan takes pride not only in earning her degree but also in the resilience she demonstrated throughout the process.
โI am most proud of being able to balance my responsibilities while completing the program and finishing it with determination. Beyond earning the degree, I take pride in applying what I have learned to better serve the children and my community, as well as building lasting connections with my fellow graduates,โ she shared.
Susanโs story serves as an inspiring reminder that education is a lifelong journey. Through ETEEAP, she transformed years of professional experience into academic achievement, empowering herself to make an even greater impact in the field of education and in the lives of the children and communities she serves.
Her journey stands as a testament to the power of perseverance, continuous learning, and the opportunities that ETEEAP provides for working professionals striving to achieve their goals.
