From Rejection to Redemption: My Story of Hope and Purpose
Carlos Antonio Batch 2021–2025 | Magna Anima Teachers College
Faculty | Magna Anima Teachers College
I’m Carlos Antonio, 22 years old, and a proud graduate. I was once a young and spirited kid who dreamed of pursuing my passion for theater arts. I always gave my best in every performance and imagined myself studying theater in college. But the reality was, my family simply didn’t have the financial means to make that dream come true. At the time, only my mother, Emily Antonio, was working to support our family.
To make matters more difficult, I was rejected by several colleges and universities I applied to. I felt stuck—passionate, but without a clear path forward.
Then came a turning point. Magna Anima Teachers College partnered with my senior high school, Lucrecia R. Kasilag SHS. Thanks to Mrs. Pamela Desuyo, I was endorsed to Magna Anima as a potential scholar for their Bachelor of Culture and Arts Education Program. It was the opportunity I had been hoping for—one that I knew could change my life.
Magna Anima didn’t just accept me as a student; they welcomed me like family. Over the four years I spent there, my love for theater never faded—it evolved. My passion found a deeper purpose: to teach students the arts, so they too can dream big and see a bright future. Through Magna Anima, I didn’t just grow into a competent teacher with strong pedagogical and professional foundations—I became a teacher with a heart. A heart for learners, for communities, and for our country. I was also able to support myself financially with the help of Three Monkeys, the college’s resident café, where I found both work and friendship.
One of the most meaningful moments in my journey was when I lost my father. In that time of grief, the college stood by me. The faculty showed me compassion and support that went beyond expectation. They didn’t rush my healing— they gave me space, and they helped me get back on my feet.
Today, I’m still at Magna Anima Teachers College—not as a student, but as a member of its community. I’m here to serve and guide aspiring learners, and to help shape the future of education. I carry with me the same passion, only now it’s driven by purpose—to raise teachers who will help reform our nation.
