UST Golden Tigresses libero Detdet Pepito wears many hats as a student-athlete.
Add being a grade school teacher to Detdet Pepito’s growling list of responsibilities as a student-athlete with University of Santo Tomas, as she is currently doing her internship in the middle of UAAP Season 87 women's volleyball.
Pepito, a senior taking up elementary education, is currently teaching grade school science in a school near UST as part of her on-the-job training in her course.
This has given the Golden Tigresses dynamo much more tasks to balance.
Detdet Pepito saves the ball in the UST Golden Tigresses' match against the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the UAAP Season 87 women's volleyball. | Photo (c) The UAAP
But used to juggling multiple things in life since her early days as a student-athlete, Pepito said that it has been challenging but manageable to do her OJT during the season.
“Hindi ko po alam kung paano ko na-ba-balance,” Pepito told reporters at the sidelines after the Golden Tigresses' three-set win over the Ateneo Sunday, March 9.
“Sakripisyo lang talaga kasi since Grade 7 ako, elementary, student athlete [ako]. It’s how you manage your time and priorities. Medyo haggard lang kasi mga bata ang tinuturuan ko, [pero] pasensiya lang.”
Mostly known for being outgoing and funny outside of the volleyball court, Pepito switches to a stern and masterful persona among her students, who have also learned how to respect her in her role as a teacher.
However, it has been hard to deal with students who recognize her from the volleyball court, as they tend to look at her as an athlete.
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But thanks to those who are supporting her in her OJT, she’s able to capture the children’s attention.
“Mayroon [nakakakilala sa'kin]. Actually, lahat sila, 'yung mga bata. So 'yung mga ganoon, tinutulungan po ako [ng] cooperating teacher ko na iwasang makipaghalubilo bilang player,” Pepito said.
“So 'pag nandoon ako, talagang teacher ako,” she added.
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Thankfully, there is not much difference with how Pepito sees volleyball and teaching. Both bring her the same level of happiness — and stress at times — which gives her a sense of fulfillment.
“Same lang [na] masaya, tapos ma-i-i-stress. Magagalit [din]. Parehas. Mas makukulit lang po 'yung mga bata,” said Pepito with a smile.
“Ayan, ha? Mababait kayong mga teammates ko,” she added.