College enrollment

_Book 2_

_Chapter 1 _

"Next!"

"M-Ma'am, here it is." I handed over my filled-out enrollment form, Form 137, and the results of my entrance exam through a tiny hole in the Registrar's office.

"These are the only subjects you can enroll in, the ones without prerequisites. You'll be an irregular student for now until you get enough units to join a block section. Make sure there's no schedule conflict because it's a hassle to change it later."

"Is there no minimum number of units? What if I only take three subjects?"

"That's fine. Just make sure to regularly consult with us, okay? Check which course has the subjects you want to take. Write the subject code and description on this blue card, along with the number of units."

"Okay, thank you, Ma'am!"

I went back to the bulletin board where the courses were posted. So, AB Psychology, BSED/BEED, and Social Works all have similar general subjects. Do I really want to be a teacher? Maybe I should give it a shot. I picked the ones without prerequisites like Trigo - 3, P.E - 2, ROTC 1.5. I also looked for subjects offered specifically for those with back subjects or remedial ones. Communication Arts 1 - 3, Rizal's Life and Work - 1.5. Then I went back to the registrar.

"M-Ma'am, here it is." I showed her my blue card. Then she handed me a small report card for each subject. Three cards with Prelim, Midterm, and Finals.

"You have a lot of free time. Do you want to cross-enroll in another school?"

"I'll try to find a school that offers it, Ma'am. Does it have to be government-owned?"

"Not necessarily. Just inform them that you're in a juvenile rehabilitation program. If they agree, we'll communicate with them. Just come back to us and let us know which school, okay? The program might cover your tuition or provide a subsidy as long as you sort it out... Okay? Make sure to report to us regularly and stay out of trouble."

"Y-yes, Ma'am, thank you." No matter how much I try to steel myself, when I think about it, I can't help but feel regret and pain. I once wished for the world to slow down so I could catch up. But now, it feels like I've been robbed of so many moments.