University life can be as confusing and difficult as it is exciting and stimulating. From freshman year to graduation day, and up until you take exams to get a license for certain degrees, there’s always something about the journey that requires a young mind to ponder life and how to stand your ground.

What does it take to ace an exam or get ahead in life? How do you keep going despite the odds? How do you focus and get your head in the game?

Young achievers from the University of Mindanao and UP Mindanao talk to us about their secrets, the challenges they faced in school, and what they have to share with other students who want to succeed.

Rochelle Caballo

Ranked 10th in the June 2014 Architect Licensure Examination

BS Architecture, University of the Philippines Mindanao

What lessons in life did you learn in the university?

However big a deal the exam is, you just have to face it. It’s just an exam, like any other exam in college. Face it and hope for the best. Believe that your years of study and review are enough to see you through, and most of all, believe in yourself. That’s a cliché, but it works.

What words of wisdom did your mentors impart to you?

This isn’t something I’d refer to as “words of wisdom,” but a tip that Professor Villaseca shared with us during the review days—to take an hour of rest for every two hours or so of reading. We didn’t take this seriously until a month before the actual exam. But it worked! Things sank in deeper when you take a moment to breathe it all in.

What advice can you give students who will take licensure exams soon?

Don’t let pressure and worry defeat you. So many before you have gone through the same exams and succeeded.

What keeps you going?

Dreams! If you have dreams and goals, you have to work for them! You want to experience new things? You can’t if you’re not up on your toes and moving. Pretty applicable in any aspect of life, right?

t0815y-jesse-achievers_feat12_2 — Murielle Yucamco

Ranked 3rd in the June 2014 Architect Licensure Examination

BS Architecture, University of the Philippines Mindanao

What lessons in life did you learn in the university?

Cherish the ones who are true to you. And while in college, you will meet so many people from different places with different views in life. Accept them for who they are. If you cannot, ignore and move on.

What advice can you give students who will take licensure exams soon?

Sleep when you need to. Do not be pressured by time or feel guilty because your friends are studying and you’re sleeping. You will only be wasting your time if you force yourself to study while fighting off sleepiness.

How will you use your skills to give back to the community?

My long-term plan is to establish a firm here in Davao. I also want to design green buildings that can benefit the community and the environment.

Mykel Barcena

t0815y-jesse-achievers_feat12_3 — Mykel Barcena

Ranked 5th in the June 2014 Architect Licensure Examination

BS Architecture, University of the Philippines Mindanao

What lessons in life did you learn in the university?

Have a vision and focus on your desired career. I realized that I don’t have to settle only for what I can do, but I have to push the abilities I already have to the next level. I don’t have to compare my abilities with others, but I should compete with myself and turn my weaknesses into my strengths.

What advice can you give students who will take licensure exams soon?

The preparation for the board exam is not measured by how many books you have read; you should also balance your study time with social activities and looking after your health. Give yourself a reasonable time for social media and communication with your loved ones. Sleep, eat and exercise normally.

Honey Bacus

Ranked 1st in the June 2014 Social Worker Licensure Examination

t0815y-jesse-achievers_feat12_4 — Honey Bacus

BS Social Work, University of Mindanao

What lessons in life did you learn in the university?

My four years were well-spent learning, being challenged and honed, and taught to be competent in my field.

What are your plans?

I really want to buy a house for my parents, and then I will go through the process of employment. I’m really looking forward to be finally working as a social worker, and to make a difference in the community.

What are you passionate about?

I like working with women and children. I used to teach Sunday school for children in church. I love kids! During my university internship, I also got a glimpse into the plight of women. I also have a heart for persons with disabilities.

What advice can you give students who will take licensure exams soon?

No matter how hard and difficult the challenges and hardships you’re facing, have faith and believe that God makes things all work for our good. Do your part and study hard, and you will reap what you sow.

Roshelo Caluyo