FROM DREAMING TO REAPING: USPF alums top Licensure Exams

by: NEIL POVADORA & MARC THOM ATABAY

After months of rigorous reviews, two USPF alums nabbed the top spot in the 2022 Licensure Examinations; secured Top Nine in the September Social Worker Licensure Examination (SWLE) and Top 10 in the October Geodetic Engineering Licensure Examination (GELE).

Ann Millennie Antoque, Top Nine in SWLE, and Christorey Damayo Montegrande, Top 10 in GELE, are both graduates of the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Class 2022. Antoque and Montegrande went from being a dreamer to becoming a reaper.

Started with a dream

Ann Millennie Antoque has a stellar academic record, with academic excellence awards from grade school to secondary school. She pursued a Bachelor of Science in Social Work at USPF while maintaining a steady Dean's List ranking. Christorey Damayo Montegrande, on the other hand, was just the usual college student. Studying at USPF for his second engineering degree, he took up Bachelor of Science in Geodetic Engineering while working as a licensed civil engineer.

It was always challenging for them to dream. Antoque and Montegrande emphasized during their interviews that they had to seek a balance between their studies and work. Time was their main enemy, and as hard as studying while working goes, they persevered and never stood down.

Antoque continued to thrive for her parent's sacrifice and stressed her appreciation for their support. Also, Montegrande offers all his feats to his parents. "They have been my biggest fan and supporter ever since," he said.

After reviewing for about two to four months, both alums were determined to pass the licensure exams; Antoque reads from six in the morning until five in the afternoon, and Montegrande, balances board review and work.

Reaping the dream

It was late in the evening, the breeze was cold, and the sky was dark. But, it slowly turned into a bright-filled night as Antoque and Montegrande received the news of them reaping the top-notch placements of their respective licensure examinations.

At precisely 10:05 in the evening, as Antoque was getting ready for bed, she received a text message from her dean informing her of the good news.

Dean Rose Sequitin of the College of Social Work said, "Congratulations, Ann!" and "I never doubted you, our topnotcher," leaving her utterly stunned and speechless.

Meanwhile, on the night of October 12, at around 11 pm, Montegrande's wife called him, saying he passed the GELE. At that time, he just knew that he had passed. A few minutes later, his wife called again, saying he belonged on the roster of the top 10 examinees. Montegrande was delighted with the results.

He said, ‘‘Kontento na sila sa akong pagpasar. Dakung bonus na kaayu nga na apil ko sa Topnotchers.’’ In translation, his parents and wife were already content with just passing the exam. Being a topnotcher was just a bonus.

From then on, Antoque and Montegrande's life was never the same; the dream they aspired to achieve has now become a reality.

Both alums were then recognized by USPF and were given testimonial dinners to celebrate their success; they were also rewarded with monetary gifts and certificates from the university.

As a true manifestation of reaping dreams, Antoque and Montegrande shared wholesome words for those who aspired to achieve significant wins in their life.

"We've already been reminded so much that we have to work hard for whatever we are aiming for. Yes, I worked hard, but based on experience, there are times when after studying so hard, I would feel that it's already enough. But no, we can never know everything. Keep in mind that perseverance is the hard work you do after you get tired of doing the hard work you already did. It is the consistency of hard work that pays off", Antoque said.

Montegrande also said, "Future engineers, Don't ever doubt yourself. I graduated High School with a 77% in Mathematics and a 78.9% General average, but that doesn't mean I cannot finish engineering. You don't have to be that smart to become an Engineer. You only need to be wise."

The success of Antoque and Montegrande brought back USPF on the streak of producing topnotchers in the licensure examinations. The university aspires to continue to do so in the coming years.