Jodi Sta. Maria explains why she wants to focus on her studies for now

April 30 ------ Jodi Sta. Maria recently opened up about what led her to the decision to step back from acting to prioritize her education for now. "For the past 27 years, naniniwala ako hindi naman ako tumigil eh, dere-derecho 'yan from the time na ni-launch ako back in the '90s hanggang sa last year dere-derecho 'yung trabaho. So ang naisip ko, may mga bagay akong gustong gawin din sa life ko," she said in an interview with Boy Abunda. 

Jodi clarified that her decision does not mean she has lost interest in acting. Rather, she’s choosing to explore other personal goals for the time being. "I'm not saying na hindi ako pinapasaya ng passion ko for acting but sometimes may mga bagay ka lang na alam mo sa sarili mo na meron ka pang ibang gustong gawin at meron ka pang ibang pwedeng gawin," she pointed out.  

Despite shifting her focus, Jodi assured fans that she still has films lined up. "So for now meron pa rin naman akong mga movies na ginagawa. Nakapag-bangko ako ng mga pelikula so ngayon pino-promote natin, 'yung iba ipapalabas din this year and 'yung iba next year but for serye sabi ko nga eh I'm just waiting for a project that is so compelling na gagawin ko talaga siya but for now hangga't hindi magfo-focus muna ako sa aking pag-aaral." Jodi stars in the psychological horror film Untold premiering on April 30.  

In a previous interview with the media, Jodi remarked that she was determined to pursue her Master's degree. "Isa 'yan sa mga bagay na kino-consider kong importante sa buhay ko eh. Ang Master's naman you just go to school once or twice a week so mas maluwag 'yung schedule kaya marami rin akong mga bagay na nagagawa," she said. 

The actress graduated with a psychology degree in 2021. Jodi shared that she is looking forward to creating an extension study of her thesis back in college titled "The Impact of the NADA Protocol (Ear Acudetox) on the Anxiety Level of People Working in Television Production." "Now I am really excited for my [future] paper because it's going to be an extension study of this paper," the actress relayed. 

It was in January when Jodi announced that she will be pursuing a Master's degree. "This year, I’m taking up my Master’s degree in clinical psychology. Kasi naiisip ko, as a human being, parang I can do so much more. Na parang mayroon pang life outside of show business. Naisip ko na, oo, I’m an actor, but I can put on another hat," she said. 

Source: news.abs-cbn.com