June 16, 2016

Dr. Benito M. Pacheco

Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs
University of the Philippines - Diliman
I, Xena Mikaela Cledera, have incurred a status of permanently dismissed from the
university after having incurred zero units passed during the first semester AY 20152016.
For the first semester, I encountered severe problems with my family both
financially and emotionally. My mother passed away last February 2013 due to colon
cancer and left us emotionally wrecked and with lots of debt after an almost yearlong battle with the disease. I entered the university June that year and I admit that
upon doing so, I have not yet fully recovered from the loss. Upon entering second
year, I got pressured knowing that my peers did well during our first year yet there I
was, struggling to get going. I even considered shifting out of my course, and that
was why I took some geology classes the second semester of that year. After that
semester, I realized that geology was not for me, and as I browsed through the
course guides, I said that I really want to pursue my first choice, BS ECE.
Last academic year AY 2015-2016, I set out with a clear mind. I said I will go through
with my course even if I was already a year delayed. However, financial matters
with my family got in the way. My grandmother, who used to give me some support
during my classes, went to the United States and left us. My father lost his job
because he was sick and his health was steadily declining. I have two younger
sisters, twins, who entered grade 7. One went to Philippine Science High School
Bicol Region Campus and the other passed a scholarship to La Salle University
Canlubang. While both were scholars, it was still hard for my father to send the
three of us to school. The lack of support from our relatives and my fathers being
unemployed was hard enough for us which caused me to stay at home first. I was
able to get subjects during the first semester, however, I wasnt able to attend
them. I was forced to stay at home and take care of my father. I filed a LOA during
that semester, but I was not able to finish the application and so, incurred the zero
units passing status. It continued on to the second semester. I still wasnt able to fix
it and file another LOA so my status remained at permanently dismissed.
After consulting my friends and some time to think about my future, I am now
decided to finish my studies as a BS ECE student. I know that my passion is in the
course I have chosen, and with enough perseverance and courage, I can graduate.
My father regained a little strength and now does some sideline jobs to get us
going.
This is why I appeal to your good office to approve my application for readmission. It
is with your help that I can finally continue my studies and help my family. I know
the risks of continuing with my desired course but know that I will give it my best to
survive. I hope you could give me another chance.
Thank you and hoping for your positive response.
Sincerely yours,

Xena Mikaela C. Cledera

2013-40974