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A Marvelous Misunderstanding

Karen didn't mean to enroll at first, but PathwayConnect was just what she needed

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Karen Blesrubio from Manila, Philippines, started BYU-Pathway Worldwide in a unique way — she didn’t mean to.

Karen has always loved learning. She was looking for a way to enhance her writing and communication skills so she could advance in her profession. “I prayed so hard that the Lord would guide me to the right decision,” she said.

Karen Blesrubio
Karen Blesrubio

As Karen was browsing the internet for classes and programs, she felt prompted to click on “BYU-Pathway.” She came to an application for BYU-Pathway, which included an English language assessment. She wondered if she could pass the assessment, so she filled out the application and took the test. She then clicked “Enroll,” hoping to see her language assessment results and expecting to have to make a payment before actually being enrolled in the program.

However, to Karen’s surprise, she quickly received an email from BYU-Pathway informing her that she had successfully enrolled. “I thought, ‘What? I’m not prepared for this. I was just trying to browse!’” she said.

Karen didn’t feel ready to start online classes at the time, so she decided to withdraw. However, the thought of BYU-Pathway lingered in the back of her mind — the program intrigued her. Six months later, she received another email, inviting her to enroll again. She said, “The Spirit prompted me so strongly and said, ‘This time you must enroll.’”

PathwayConnect family at their gathering in Manila
Karen (right) with her PathwayConnect family at their gathering in Manila

Karen followed the prompting and has been grateful ever since. “I just love learning,” she said. “PathwayConnect helps me enhance different skills I have and to value education more.”

Karen is currently enrolled in PathwayConnect and working toward an online BYU-Idaho TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate , supported by BYU-Pathway. She enjoys BYU-Pathway because it allows her to interact with her classmates, even though the coursework is online. “My favorite part is the discussion,” she said. “I learn from my classmates and their insights. I love collaborating with them!”

Karen has been teaching elementary school for 16 years and continues to teach while participating in PathwayConnect. It can be difficult at times to balance her many responsibilities, including caring for her family, working full-time, fulfilling her Church calling, and taking online classes, but she continues faithfully. “I can organize my time and plan through it,” she said.

Karen with her husband and son
Karen with her husband and son

After completing her TEFL certificate, Karen hopes to teach online English classes in addition to her current teaching job. She also has a goal to earn another certificate and a bachelor’s degree through BYU-Pathway. “I value education,” she said. “I want to share the knowledge and skills I have with others and become a good steward of learning, especially for my students.”

Karen also loves spending time with her husband, Mick, and her son, Aaron. She said, “My family supports me, especially my husband,” who drives Karen to and from her gathering each week.

“I am blessed to be part of BYU-Pathway,” Karen said. “I know the Lord led me to this path. The changes it gives me both academically and spiritually are immeasurable. I hope I can inspire others to join so they can reap the rewards of learning that I have received.”