When Ma Angelica Joyce Garcia Kapunan reflects on her journey from the Philippines to the United States, one word comes to mind: surreal. 

Ma Angelica Joyce Garcia Kapunan, or Angelica as she prefers to be called, has been in the US since 2024. She says it’s been a blur, “Time seems to be flying by pretty quickly. I didn’t even notice it.”

Angelica’s story is about growth and discovery. She used to work in the world of international travel but is going in a completely new direction. She’s currently a student in the Healthcare Career Program at Computer Systems Institute (CSI) in Chicago.

Before coming to CSI, Angelica had a busy life in the Philippines. A graduate of De La Salle University Manila, she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with Cum Laude distinction. But her life wasn’t limited to the classroom, she was also a student-athlete who dedicated more than half her life to cheerleading. 

Angelica’s commitment and talent eventually led her to the national stage where she represented the Philippines in international competitions across Asia and the United States. One of her proudest moments was competing at the prestigious ICU World Cheerleading Championships in Orlando, Florida, “I was a national team athlete,” she recalls. “I remember competing at that prestigious ICU competition… It was an incredible experience.”

After college, Angelica’s career took an exciting turn when she joined Philippine Airlines as a Junior Sales and Services Agent at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). While she was there, she combined her love of travel with her professional skills, enjoying opportunities that many only dream of, “I had the best time working for them because I really love to travel,” she says. “Because of my line of work, I had free flights and I had the privilege to fly anywhere I wanted to! Honestly, sometimes I miss that life where I can just have a day off and instantly be in a new country!”

Her love for exploration even extended into her personal passions, “Can you consider being a K-pop fangirl a full-time job? Kidding!” she laughs. Her access to travel made it easier to follow her favorite groups around the world.

Choosing a New Path

Despite the excitement and success she had already experienced, Angelica felt called to do something more meaningful that would allow her to make a direct impact on others’ lives. That calling led her to CSI.

She’s now studying to become a Medical Assistant at the Chicago campus, Angelica attends daytime classes twice a week. Her classes are long and last all day, but she finds it doable,  “It’s very manageable because on other days you can get time to actually study the lessons you had on your school days,” she explains. “It might seem too much for others… but my professor makes the class fun so that you won’t notice the time!”

Her enthusiasm is especially evident when she talks about her instructor. “Honestly, I love Ms. Smith,” she says. “The HCP program isn’t that scary as what other students would think! It’s actually fun and you even learn things about yourself!”

CSI has been more than just an educational experience for Angelica, it’s also been life-changing, “CSI actually made me realize that helping people who are sick is my calling,” she says. “I love traveling, but after learning so much the past two semesters, being able to take care of other people is not a job for everyone. But because of my teacher, I have realized that I can actually do it.”

Angelica hopes to earn her National Healthcareer Association certification and pursue Optional Practical Training (OPT) to get practical experience in the field. She envisions herself as a medical assistant who can contribute both administratively and clinically, “I would definitely want to be a medical assistant who is flexible enough to run the front office of the clinic or hospital but also the clinical side,” she says.

Challenges for International Students

One of the things Angelica loves about CSI is its diverse, international student community, “Most of my classmates are all international, and of course I’m learning a lot about them too,” she explains. “Their cultures, where they came from, I think because of this, I am becoming more culturally aware and my communication skills  are being honed.”

Like many international students, Angelica’s journey has had some challenges. While she enjoys studying, it’s not always easy living abroad, “What scares me is my emotions,” she admits. “As an international student, it’s hard to be away from family. It’s hard that my environment is different. You have to do everything for yourself here. Also the uncertainties, I’m positive that things will work out but sometimes the future still scares me.”

Despite these challenges, Angelica remains resilient. Though her family is still in the Philippines, she has built a strong support system in the U.S, “I do have special people who I can call family,” she says. “And yes, they are very supportive. And for that I am forever grateful.”

Outside of school, Angelica enjoys staying active and connected to her interests. She loves running and keeps up with the latest happenings in the K-pop world, especially with the return of BTS, who she’s excited to see perform in Chicago.

Flexibility of CSI

When it comes to balancing school and life, she credits CSI’s schedule for giving her the flexibility she needs, “With CSI’s schedule, it’s easy,” she says. “Because you only go to school two times a week and you have the other days left for studying.”

Her study habits reflect both discipline and personality. “Just focus on what you’re doing at that particular time,” she advises. “I’m also an old-school girl, I still like writing my notes down.I have this weird belief that after studying I should put the paper under my pillow so that my brain retains it!” she laughs.

For prospective students considering CSI, Angelica has three words, “JUST DO IT. You only get one shot at this life. It might be a scary, long process but it will get better and it will be okay.”

She emphasizes the supportive environment at CSI, saying that from her very first inquiry to her current experience, the staff and faculty have consistently prioritized student success, “People at CSI are all very helpful and approachable,” she says. “They always make sure and see what’s best for us.”

Angelica credits her faith for much of her successes, “I know that things wouldn’t turn out this way if even just one small link didn’t work,” she says. “So it all worked out, it’s perfect timing. These things that I have achieved are because of Him,” she says. “Thus all glory and honor should go back to Him.”

As she continues her journey, Angelica is grateful for the opportunities she has been given. “I’m just thankful to have been given a chance to study in a country that has high standards of education,” she reflects. “It still feels like a dream sometimes.”

If you’re ready for personal and professional growth as an international student, CSI can put you on the path to success. Contact our staff today to learn more about our programs.