'Gwyneth could have easily succumbed to despair. Instead, she used this setback as a fuel to be more motivated as she embraced this downfall as an opportunity for growth.'
Gwyneth Hermoso, a 23-year-old fresh graduate from Eastern Visayas State University jumps in triumph as she did not just pass the recently concluded Civil Engineers Licensure Exam; she was among the topnotchers clinching the 3rd place.
In this generation where success often feels like an insurmountable mountain, Gwyneth remained steadfast and stands to the power of resilience, determination and commitment.
Looking back, she recalled how she would cry all her troubles in between prayers.
"May ada talaga adto mga moments na pag gab-e nag aampo na ngani ako nakakag-tuok talaga ako agi han kakurian han review, syempre makarawod man ha ak mga ka boardmates nagtatalukbong ako."
Unfazed By Pressures
Born into modest beginnings, as the oldest among the five siblings, there were certainly pressures that come with it. Although pressure doesn't come from her parents, Gwyneth has set her sights in achieving Latin honors.
With the University's standards in providing excellent and competitive students, especially in the College of Engineering, Gwyneth had to sustain her passing grades. This came with relentless studies, sudden break-downs, and battling against this generation's temptations.
With determination, she put heart and soul into her studies sacrificing countless hours just to make sure she'd able to run through all her notes before examinations.
No Latin Honors
Four years after, despite her best efforts and undeniable thirst for greatness. Gwyneth's journey suddenly took unexpected turns when she failed to graduate with high honors.
"I was saddened kay an akon GWA waray umabot for Latin" she told Opinyon 8.
Gwyneth could have easily succumbed to despair. Instead, she used this setback as a fuel to be more motivated as she embraced this downfall as an opportunity for growth.
"Waray man po ako maka graduate with Latin Honors, and akon nala po gin set akon mind after graduation is sana maka top ako, para diri ako kurian pamiling trabaho, since moatly an ginpipili kasi diba is mga nag-graduate with Latin honors."
Far From Home
After graduating with a degree in Engineering, Gwyneth immediately embanked into the review odyssey.
"Nag double review po ako, siyahan online but then waray gud hiya mag-work para akon so nag Review ako ha Cebu."
In her stay there, found herself feeling homesick, missing her family.
Gwyneth scrimped on her meager budget and had to fend for herself. "Nakausa la ngani ada ako adto aro, the rest naghuhulat nala ako kun matagan."
Months after the rigorous study routine in mastering the material, the day of the exam finally arrived. Moments of doubt crept into her system.
"Grabe adto bagan gusto ko nala anay nga diri mag take han exam kay feeling ko diri pa enough akon knowledge." She simply refused to be defined by her previous circumstances.
Mixed Feelings
"Pakabasa ko tigda nagbalik ha akon tanan-tanan kun ano akon kabutangan han nagrereview pa ako. Dako nga question ha akon an Top 3 ako!"
Gwyneth recalled all the mix feelings in anticipation of the results. She just wanted to pass.
"Until now, diri la gihapon ako makapaniwala, nga nakuha ko na ini" Speaking with emotions evident in each every letter of her words.
Inspired
In last year's civil engineering licensure examinations, Gwyneth's partner, Kant Dumas, placed Top 7. Kant also assisted her with review materials.
This was her inspiration and motivation.
Gwyneth's story of unwavering perseverance reminds us that setbacks are not the end of the road but merely stepping stones to sweet success.
"Results required sacrifice; difficult was the path, but rewarding were the results.
"To other future exam takers, you feel tired then rest; Katurog or lakat, but never be swayed han kakapoy," Gwyneth concluded.
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