OPINION | by Bemmygail
April 6, 2025
Why do you keep studying? Don’t you ever get tired of school? Why don’t you just settle down, travel, get married, and “enjoy life”?
These are questions I’ve been asked more times than I can count—by critics, and frankly, by people who can’t grasp the purpose behind what they mock. To them, education is just a phase, a requirement, a checkbox. But for me—and for my family—education is a calling, a lifestyle, and a form of worship.
I just completed my bachelor’s degree. But my educational journey didn’t begin or end there—it’s been a vibrant, multi-layered adventure that I deliberately chose and deeply enjoyed.
I began with a diploma in Computer Networking and Telecommunications Technology, where I first fell in love with computers and machines. That early exposure to IT sparked something in me—a curiosity that has never dimmed.
Later, I pursued Bachelor of Fine Arts major in Advertising Arts at the University of San Carlos. I completed two joyful, enriching years immersed in traditional and digital art, learning the powerful principles of advertising. At around 20 years old, I found myself embracing my identity as an artist. Gifted with a skillful hand since childhood, this chapter helped me discover who I truly was—and it was beautiful.
However, I had a deeper hunger: I wanted to learn digital animation, which the program didn’t offer at the time. So I made a bold decision—I went looking for it.
That led me to 3D Animation at the International Academy of Film and Television, part of Bigfoot Studios. There, I earned a diploma, directed short films, and even had my work screened internationally—in New York, Melbourne, Italy, and more. As an amateur animator, that was already a dream come true.
But I didn’t stop there. I wanted more. I wanted my characters to move with purpose, to interact with their world—and with the audience. That’s when I pursued an International Diploma in Game Design and 3D Animation in Singapore. I lived there, worked there, and served international clients in the creative and IT industry while studying. It was thrilling. It also reignited my love for IT, for logic, for programming, and for mathematics.
Eventually, I decided to complete a degree—not to prove anything, but to build a stronger academic foundation so I could pursue even more advanced studies. I completed my Bachelor’s in Multimedia Arts at the University of the Philippines Open University—the country’s premier institution. I graduated with flying colors, excelling in all subjects, while working full-time and studying part-time.
And now, I’m walking boldly into my next challenge: a straight PhD in Data Science at UP Diliman, the flagship campus. The opportunity feels divine. IT, math, calculus, data science, artificial intelligence—these aren’t just trends; they’re my passions. And I’m eager to contribute something meaningful to the world through them.
To some, this sounds like insanity. But to those with vision, it makes perfect sense.
We don’t study for prestige or applause. We study because we are after wisdom. And wisdom is not just knowledge—it is Jesus Himself.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” — John 1:1
“The Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” — Proverbs 2:6
Without wisdom, life is shallow. You can have riches, status, luxury—but remain lost. That’s not life. That’s just consumption. And we weren’t made to consume. We were made to grow, to create, to understand, and to walk in purpose.
For over 11 years, I’ve explored fields both creative and technical. I’ve never regretted a single step. Each course has enriched me. Each decision has drawn me closer to my calling. I don’t study for a title. I study because wisdom builds a house.
Wisdom brings clarity, peace, and direction. It’s the quiet voice that guides in chaos, the light in uncertainty. It is divine, and it is worth pursuing.
To stop learning is to stop growing—and we don’t plan to stop.
So while others may chase applause, leisure, or income, we’ll continue investing in something more lasting—understanding. Because this is the life we chose—a life of wisdom.
And in the end, that will be our legacy.
Because wisdom is not just for self-gain—it’s meant to be shared.
I don’t just study to elevate myself. I study so I can lift others with me. I learn, I earn, and I return.
This is not just about success. It’s about service.
Education equips me to give back—to teach, to create jobs, to mentor the next generation, to build a foundation where children and youth find hope, direction, and purpose.
That’s the true end of wisdom: not just knowing more, but becoming more—for the glory of God, and the good of others.