Dr. Teresita G. Belarmino
About Dr. Tess
Dr. Teresita, often called Dr. Tess by her students, is a dedicated educator with a heart for research and mentorship. Her journey to Taiwan Adventist College (TAC) is a testament to faith and “divine enlargement.” With a background that spans across various international opportunities, she chose TAC as her home to nurture the next generation of disciples.
The Interview
Do you remember your very first day here at TAC?
Dr. Tess: 100% precisely, yes! I was amazed by the beauty of nature here. The staff received me with such warm smiles and kind gestures. I remember how someone waited for me, helped unload everything from my van, and carried all my luggage to the third floor—and there was no elevator back then! I also remember the warm welcome from Mr. Titus, Dr. Susie, and especially Dr. Alice Chen, who brought me everything I needed for the winter, as I arrived during the cold season. It was a beautiful start.
How did you first learn about Taiwan Adventist College?
Dr. Tess: I found it through the website. Soon after, I received a call from the Dean of BBD for an interview via Skype. A week later, he called to congratulate me and said I was one of the candidates selected. I then had a final interview with the President and the Board of Directors. I felt 100% sure that the Holy Spirit was with me throughout that process.
What was the deciding factor for you to come to Taiwan?
Dr. Tess: It was the “Prayer of Jabez.” I recite it daily: “Lord, bless me indeed and enlarge my territory.” Going to Taiwan was the answer to that prayer. I heard the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit. Even though I had other job offers from Indonesia, Hong Kong, and Japan, I chose TAC.
If you weren’t a BBD professor right now, what career path would you be on?
Dr. Tess: I am very keen on research. I think I would be a full-time researcher. If it is God’s will, I hope to continue on that path as well.
What is the most rewarding part of working with students at TAC?
Dr. Tess: The Care Group. Being a Care Group advisor since I arrived has allowed me to really know the students—their personalities, their concerns, and their family backgrounds. It’s rewarding to pray for their requests and nurture them to be closer to Jesus.
What is one spiritual lesson you’ve learned from personal experience rather than a textbook?
Dr. Tess: Humility. I learned to be humble because Jesus doesn’t take credit for Himself; He acknowledges others. To truly emulate Jesus is to practice true humility.
Which Bible verse is resonating with you the most in this season of your life?
Dr. Tess: “Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men” (Colossians 3:23). If you only try to impress people, it’s not for God. We should seek divine elevation, not our own credit.
Three words of advice
1. Be humble.
2. Persevere (by acknowledging God’s sovereignty).
3. Be generous (not just with money, but with your prayers, time, and effort to help others).
Dr. Teresita G. Belarmino
About Dr. Tess
Dr. Teresita, often called Dr. Tess by her students, is a dedicated educator with a heart for research and mentorship. Her journey to Taiwan Adventist College (TAC) is a testament to faith and “divine enlargement.” With a background that spans across various international opportunities, she chose TAC as her home to nurture the next generation of disciples.
The Interview
Do you remember your very first day here at TAC?
Dr. Tess: 100% precisely, yes! I was amazed by the beauty of nature here. The staff received me with such warm smiles and kind gestures. I remember how someone waited for me, helped unload everything from my van, and carried all my luggage to the third floor—and there was no elevator back then! I also remember the warm welcome from Mr. Titus, Dr. Susie, and especially Dr. Alice Chen, who brought me everything I needed for the winter, as I arrived during the cold season. It was a beautiful start.
How did you first learn about Taiwan Adventist College?
Dr. Tess: I found it through the website. Soon after, I received a call from the Dean of BBD for an interview via Skype. A week later, he called to congratulate me and said I was one of the candidates selected. I then had a final interview with the President and the Board of Directors. I felt 100% sure that the Holy Spirit was with me throughout that process.
What was the deciding factor for you to come to Taiwan?
Dr. Tess: It was the “Prayer of Jabez.” I recite it daily: “Lord, bless me indeed and enlarge my territory.” Going to Taiwan was the answer to that prayer. I heard the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit. Even though I had other job offers from Indonesia, Hong Kong, and Japan, I chose TAC.
If you weren’t a BBD professor right now, what career path would you be on?
Dr. Tess: I am very keen on research. I think I would be a full-time researcher. If it is God’s will, I hope to continue on that path as well.
What is the most rewarding part of working with students at TAC?
Dr. Tess: The Care Group. Being a Care Group advisor since I arrived has allowed me to really know the students—their personalities, their concerns, and their family backgrounds. It’s rewarding to pray for their requests and nurture them to be closer to Jesus.
What is one spiritual lesson you’ve learned from personal experience rather than a textbook?
Dr. Tess: Humility. I learned to be humble because Jesus doesn’t take credit for Himself; He acknowledges others. To truly emulate Jesus is to practice true humility.
Which Bible verse is resonating with you the most in this season of your life?
Dr. Tess: “Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men” (Colossians 3:23). If you only try to impress people, it’s not for God. We should seek divine elevation, not our own credit.
Three words of advice
1. Be humble.
2. Persevere (by acknowledging God’s sovereignty).
3. Be generous (not just with money, but with your prayers, time, and effort to help others).
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