Seventeen tries later: Tagaytay teacher finally earns license

For nearly a decade, Roland John R. Visco of Tagaytay City carried a dream that refused to fade, even after repeated setbacks that would have discouraged most. Beginning in 2015, Visco took the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) not once, not twice, but 17 times—before finally passing and earning the professional title he had long pursued.

Visco shared his story in an interview with The Summit Express, describing a journey defined by persistence, sacrifice, and quiet resolve.

“Noong 2015, nagsimula akong sumubok sa LET, at sa kabuuan, labimpitong (17) beses akong kumuha ng pagsusulit—at sa wakas, dito ko natupad ang aking pangarap na maging isang Licensed Professional Teacher (LPT),” Visco said.

Now 35, Visco described himself simply as “a teacher who never gave up despite repeated failures,” a statement that reflects years of rejection, self-doubt, and determination.

A graduate of Cavite State University–Main Campus with a degree in Sports and Recreational Management, Visco said his academic path was driven by passion.

“I have always loved sports, and I wanted to turn that passion into a profession,” he said.

His college years were not without difficulty. Visco shifted from an Information Technology program to sports education, a decision that required adjustment and personal sacrifice but ultimately helped him discover resilience and clarity of purpose.

While building a family and working as an educator, Visco admitted that preparing for the LET was especially challenging. With limited time for formal review, he relied heavily on self-study, discipline, and lessons gained from hands-on classroom experience.

The most difficult hurdle was repeatedly failing the MAPEH component of the exam—a setback that tested his confidence time and again. Still, he pressed on, believing that the dream was worth the struggle.

A turning point came with the introduction of the LET major in Physical Education, which aligned more closely with his expertise. Preparation and persistence finally met opportunity.

“Fall down 16 times, stand up 17 times,” Visco said, summing up the mindset that sustained him through nearly ten years of disappointment.

His moment of triumph came during the September 2025 LET, when a co-teacher called to share the long-awaited news. Relief, gratitude, and quiet joy followed.