[UPLB] Ano pa po bang degprog ang magandang piliin sa qualifiers’ appeal?

Since Grade 10 pa lang, iniisip ko na kung anong course ang kukunin ko. I chose STEM dahil sabi nila maraming opportunities, and totoo naman — pero mas dumami rin yung doubts ko. Pero ngayon na graduate na ako ng senior high, I still feel lost. After years of thinking, researching, and overthinking… I still don’t know what I truly want.

To give some context:- I passed BS Chemistry in UPLB — dream university ko talaga siya.- I also passed BS Civil Engineering sa isang state u near me — not as known as UPLB, pero practical and closer to home. I’ve always done well in school. I’ve been at the top of my class, and people often assume that means I have it all figured out. But the truth is, I don’t. I feel like I’m capable of a lot, pero wala akong solid passion or dream job. And nakakahiya minsan aminin ‘yon.

I just want to live a life where I’m stable, not struggling, and able to give my parents the comfort they truly deserve. Gusto ko sila maging proud. Gusto ko rin ng buhay na hindi puro pagod at tipid. I know a 6-digit salary won’t come agad-agad, but I want to be on a path na possible siyang ma-achieve with hard work and the right skills.

I initially leaned toward BS Chem because I like science and solving problems. Pero sa mga nabasa ko, here in the Philippines, Chemists daw are often underpaid, underfunded, and not given much importance.

Then I looked into Civil Engineering. Sobrang practical, respected, and may sense of security. Pero sabi ng iba, oversaturated na rin and ang only chance ko lang daw of making it big is if my parents have a contracting company.

Lately, I’ve been reading a lot about Industrial Engineering and Information Technology. Mas flexible daw, mas malaki ang potential income, and in-demand lalo sa corporate or abroad.

UP qualifiers’ appeal is tomorrow. I don’t even know what degprog they’ll offer me if ever. Pero gusto ko maging ready. Gusto ko na hindi ako magdesisyon out of fear or pressure.

So here are the things I’d really love to ask: If you're already working and earning a six-digit salary (or on your way there):– What degprog did you take?– What industry are you in now?– Would you recommend the same path? For everyone else:– Paano mo nalaman na tama ‘yung course or career path mo?– Reality check lang po: Kamusta ang Chem/CE/IE/IT/ChemEng graduates dito sa PH? I already feel the pressure to get it right. I know this sounds dramatic. But I’m 18 and overwhelmed. I just want to make a decision that future me won’t resent. I want to stop feeling ashamed for not knowing. I want to feel excited about something again. I want to stop pretending I’m okay and start making choices that future me will thank me for.

Thank you to anyone who reads this. Your words and experiences might just help someone who’s genuinely trying her best to figure it all out. I’m holding onto your words more than you know.

TL;DR:18, STEM grad, passed BS Chem in UPLB (malayo) and BSCE sa isang state U (malapit). Still lost after years of thinking. No clear passion — just want a stable future and to support my parents. Curious: – Anong course niyo na nag-lead to a 6-digit salary?– Kamusta Chem/CE/IE/ChemEng sa PH?