UST Tigresses’ Detdet Pepito in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament. –UAAP PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Detdet Pepito is not only leading by example for the University of Santo Tomas Tigresses in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament, but he’s also juggling her student-athlete life teaching Grade 3 students in Manila.

The elementary education student once shared on her social media that she’s teaching science to young kids in her on-the-job training while their season is ongoing.

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“I don’t really know how I balance it. It’s really just sacrifice because ever since Grade 7, even in elementary, I’ve been a student-athlete,” said Pepito, who had eight digs and eight excellent receptions in their 25-20, 25-23, 25-21 sweep of Ateneo to improve to a 5-1 record on Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.”

“It’s about how you manage your time and priorities. It’s just a bit exhausting because I also teach kids, so I just have to be patient,”

Just like keeping her team together as a captain, Pepito sees similarities in teaching elementary students as she finds joy in her passion.

READ: UAAP: UST sweeps Ateneo for 5 straight wins in women’s volleyball

“Of course, it’s the same—there’s happiness, stress, and frustration. They’re all the same, but the kids are just a bit more playful,” she said with a laugh.

One challenging factor in her OJT is her students recognizing her as a volleyball player but the star libero stays professional and reminds the kids to treat her as a teacher.

“Actually, they all recognize me. In those situations, my cooperating teacher helps me avoid interacting with them as a player. When I’m there, I make sure I’m really in my role as a teacher,” Pepito said.