Mikee Caranta Estabillo was raised by her loving parents and grandmother. Growing up, she spent her days making memories with her siblings and cousins, and continues to do so with the addition of nieces and nephews. Because of her family’s close relationship, Mikee promises to give back to them in any way she can, especially when she becomes a college professor – a dream she tirelessly works for every single day.
Mikee currently works as a part-time ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher and is a full-time student at Mapúa Malayan Digital College (MMDC), a college under Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna. A typical day for Mikee starts before 7am with a visit to her sister’s house. A few minutes of playtime with her young nieces and nephews is all she needs to kick start her morning attending classes online. From 4:30pm to 10pm, Mikee is in work mode. She does have pockets of time in between her responsibilities as a student and teacher where she gets to rest, spend time with her family, or make time for her writing. She says that this has been her routine, and keeping it helps her balance her schedule all from the comforts of her home. Fortunately for Mikee, the prevalence of online schooling and remote work perfectly fits how she wants to continue her college education and earn a living.
Life at MMDC
Mikee shares that she had a difficult time before she began her journey with MMDC. This was her third chance to step up and build her future through a college degree. Her first college attempt was as a civil engineering student, but she had to take a break due to personal challenges. She was then set to come back to college but this time, as a financial management student. However, life had other plans.
After finding the courage to try again, Mikee found MMDC. “The story behind discovering MMDC is deeply personal to me,” she shares. “Faced with a significant challenge in my life that hindered me from attending school physically, I embarked on a search for universities in the Philippines offering online courses. During this search, I stumbled upon the website of MMDC. Upon reviewing the curriculum, I couldn't help but think to myself, ‘This college fits me perfectly.’”
Mikee was still unsure about what course to take for her third attempt at college. But when she looked through the MMDC website, all the information she needed was there to convince her to make the leap. She found her recommended course, and the rest was history.
With the flexibility of MMDC’s programs, Mikee has the freedom to manage her own time and be fully present when she shows up for the things and people that matter. “This flexibility extends beyond academia, enabling me to fulfill roles as a helpful daughter, caring aunt, supportive friend, hardworking student, and reliable ESL teacher. It empowers me to navigate and succeed in the different dimensions of my life.”
Everything that Mikee was looking for in a school aligned with her life goals and work ethic as she is very particular with how she does things. She gives attention to the smallest details when she studies, works, and takes on leadership roles for group projects. She considers herself a perfectionist and takes pride in her strong sense of organization and time management skills. “I dedicate my mornings and afternoons to academic pursuits, reserving my evenings for work. This flexibility enables me to excel in both areas without feeling overwhelmed. I am fortunate to have found a college and an ESL academy that are incredibly accommodating to working students like myself,” she shares.
Stepping up for her future
After three years as an ESL teacher, it has become more than just a side hustle that has kept her and her family afloat during the pandemic. She takes pride in her role as someone who helps her students build confidence and who sees their potential to become greater than what they seek to be. “I've had the privilege of teaching individuals from various nationalities and age groups. Whether assisting beginners in taking their first steps into the English language or guiding adults in refining their communication skills, each interaction has been a unique and rewarding experience for me,” she says.
Every day, Mikee wakes up with a sense of purpose in her day-to-day life that goes beyond her own needs and wants. She shares, “Aspiring to become a college professor is more than just achieving the shift from being called Teacher Mikee to Professor Mikee; it symbolizes a profound personal fulfillment for me. Through my own experiences, I aspire to guide and support individuals in overcoming life's challenges, offering them insights and encouragement on their journey towards achieving their aspirations.”
Mikee looks forward to waking up and spending her days working towards her dreams. Though some days are tougher than others, she is reminded of her why and clings to her family’s love and unwavering support. She wants to make them proud, especially her mom — a person she considers her anchor and number one supporter. “I am simultaneously working towards completing my degree, striving to achieve my personal goals, and assisting others in reaching theirs. In essence, it's a win-win situation for me. I believe that with proper time organization and a genuine passion for what you're doing, things will inevitably work out in your favor.”
For more information on MMDC’s programs, click here. Start your MMDC journey at any term within the school year! Enroll for Term 1 starting in May (Classes from August to November), Term 2 in December (Classes from December to March), or Term 3 in April (Classes from April to July).
