Jodi Sta. Maria to take break from acting to get master's degree in clinical psychology
Jodi Sta. Maria will hit the books again as she pursues a master's degree in clinical psychology.
The 42-year-old actress, in a media conference on Jan. 6, bared her plans to take a short break from showbusiness to study after the last episode of Lavender Fields drops on Jan. 24.
"For now, I am taking on a short break. I'm embarking on something new. To be revealed yan. This year, I'm also taking up my master's in clinical psychology," she told reporters, adding that she wants to focus on family and marriage therapy.
Jodi continued to say that she wants to do and be more than just an actress.
"Minsan naiisip ko na as a human being, I can do so much more. Kumbaga parang meron pang life outside showbusiness. Naisip ko na I'm an actor and I can still put on another hat."
The Lavender Fields star wants to open a small clinic to make mental health care accessible to more people.
She also told reporters that finishing her studies was something her mother and grandmother distilled in her. Despite life bringing her to a different path as she worked as an actress, she still had her schooling at the back of her mind.
"Noong naging artista ako, 'di nawala sakin 'yun (her studies). Na kahit ano mangyari kailangan ko matapos yung pag-aaral ko. I made sure na matapos ko siya. Humanap lang din ako ng tamang timing and then sa awa ng diyos, dumating yung tamang panahon na nag aral ako ng psychology."
In 2021, Jodi earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Southville International School and Colleges in Las Piñas City. She juggled her studies with work and being a mom to her son Thirdy.
The actress shared that school isn't stressful for her and that professors weren't intimidated by her and didn't give her special treatment.
"Nag eenjoy kasi ako. For some weird reason, I enjoy being in a class. Gusto ko 'yung student na nakaupo ako na nakaka-learn ako ng new things. That sparks joy in my heart. It fascinates me. 'Pag may nalalaman o natututunan akong bago, kinikilig ako," she shared.
"I was really treated as a regular student. walang special treatment. Siguro na-accommodate lang talaga is my schedule because they knew I was working noong time na 'yun. Pero 'yung homework, tasks, quizzes, exams, pare-pareho. Kung ano date ng submission, submit ka."
In Lavender Fields, Jodi plays Jasmin, a woman living an idyllic life in her hometown until a mysterious man tied to a criminal empire messed it up. She takes up a new identity to seek revenge.
The series also stars Janine Gutierrez, Jericho Rosales, Maricel Soriano, Albert Martinez, Edu Manzano, and Jolina Magdangal.
