08/06/2026
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Pursuing a degree in Education wasn't my first choice. To be honest, after high school, I was lost and had no idea which path to take. Becoming a teacher was never part of my plan. However, I felt I had no choice at the time, it was the height of the pandemic, and with the reality of lockdowns and isolation, I lost interest in applying to distant universities. Because I wanted to stay close to home, I looked toward CTU-Malabuyoc Extension.
My older sister helped me with my online registration. I initially wanted to take Secondary Education because I wasn't fond of the idea of teaching kids in Elementary. But in a twist of fate, my sister made a mistake and selected Elementary Education instead. By the time we noticed, the process to change it was too long and complicated. I felt stuck with no choice but to move forward.
When face-to-face classes finally returned during the second semester of my second year, everything changed. I realized that the "real battle" happens in the classroom, not behind a screen or online classes. That is where you show your authentic self. Along the way, I learned so much, fueled by the wisdom shared by our instructors.I also remember telling myself, "Iβll be an LPT by 2026." It felt so far away. While I was inspired by the topnotchers our school produced, my main priority was simply to pass on my first take "first take, no retake" alongside my classmates.
After graduation, I hesitated. I contemplated working first before taking the boards, but my parents insisted I rest and focus on the exam. So, I enrolled in a review center. During the first four months of my six-month review, I was too relaxed. I spent more time going out than studying, relying too much on online materials and review center notes.
When January hit, the overthinking began. Like many, I only felt the pressure when the deadline was looming. By February, I finally locked in. It was a month of pure "serious mode," but more importantly, it was a month of prayer. I realized that all the studying in the world is useless if you don't have divine help. By March, my brain was so fried from cramming that I just started visiting different churches, literally crying out for guidance.
On the day of the exam, I was the third to the last person to finish in my room. I used every second of the allotted time, double-checking every answer. By Godβs grace, I finished it. I am beyond grateful for the results. God gave me so much more than I ever dared to ask for. I never expected to be a Topnotcher. Knowing my own capacity and my relaxed start to the review, I didn't think it was possible. But God works in miraculous ways. With Him, nothing is impossible.
To the future LPTs and Topnotchers,,donβt let the overthinking consume you. Iβve been exactly where you are. But never lose hope. When you feel like giving up, call on Him. I was just an average student in college, yet I topped the boards and if I can do it, so can you! Enjoy the journey, do your absolute best, trust yourself, and never stop praying.
SHIENNA MARIE O. SINGCO, LPT
Top 10, BLEPT March 2026
Becoming a March 2026 Licensure Examination for Professional Teacher (LEPT) topnotcher was never on my bingo card. If someone had told me before that I would achieve this milestone, I probably would not have believed them myself. Even though I dreamt of becoming a topnotcher, deep inside I still felt that it was impossible for me to reach it. I doubted myself and thought it was too far from reality. Behind this achievement was a journey filled with fear, self-doubt, anxiety, sacrifices, and countless prayers.
Around November 2025, months before the March 2026 LEPT, I started feeling nervous almost every day. There were moments when I would suddenly tremble, my heartbeat would race uncontrollably, and I felt like I could not breathe properly because of overwhelming anxiety. In my lowest moments, I even questioned myself deeply if I was really capable of becoming a teacher. I doubted my memory, especially during practice answering because I often forgot lessons and got more wrong answers than correct ones. People would also say that the exam is unpredictable, and instead of comforting me, it made my fears even heavier because I did not know what to expect. There were days when I seriously thought about giving up and postponing my dream.
But even in that darkness, there was still a small voice inside me telling me to continue. I remembered the scholarship opportunity that CBRC gave me and how many people believed in me even when I was doubting myself. I also came across a video saying that changing your environment can help you heal and breathe again from anxiety. Holding on to that thought, I chose to step forward instead of stepping back. I decided to continue attending the review sessions at CBRC Ramos Cebu City, even when I was afraid.
Living away from home for several months was another battle I had to face. It was my first time being far from my family for so long, and there were nights when I cried silently while trying to study. I am deeply grateful to my cousin for opening her home to me and allowing me to stay in her boarding house throughout my review journey. I am also thankful to her boyfriend because in moments when I had nothing, they supported me with meals and care. Their kindness became a reminder that I was never truly alone in this journey.
During the first weeks of review, my anxiety did not disappear. It followed me into the classroom, especially during oral recitations where my hands would shake and my mind would go blank the moment I held the microphone. There were times when I could not even stay seated because I kept going to the restroom just to calm my racing thoughts. It felt like I was fighting a battle inside my own mind every single day. But slowly, without me noticing, showing up every day became my quiet victory.
In the middle of all this struggle, I learned something important. I learned to stop punishing myself for not being perfect. I studied at my own pace and allowed myself to grow little by little. When the September LEPT results came out and I saw familiar names passing, I felt both inspired and pressured at the same time. But I chose to turn that pressure into motivation instead of fear. Still, as the board exam came closer, I realized I could no longer stay in comfort. I had to fully commit and give everything I had left.
At the same time, I kept thinking about my family and all the sacrifices they made for me. There were moments when they sent me allowance even when I knew they were struggling themselves. Every sacrifice they made became a silent promise I wanted to fulfill. I told myself I could not fail them, not after everything they gave up for me.
Weeks before the board exam, it was my birthday. I did not celebrate it the way I used to. Instead, I spent the entire day reviewing with my friends at the review center. While everyone around me was trying to make the day feel special, I was quietly battling my thoughts. I realized I did not want another birthday to pass where I would look back with regret and ask myself what I could have done better. That moment changed something in me. It pushed me to become more focused, more disciplined, and more intentional with every hour I had left. After every review session, I would continue studying at my cousinβs boarding house, even when my mind was already tired.
A few days before the board exam, I went to Simala and wrote a prayer letter with trembling hands and a hopeful heart. I had heard how people describe Mama Mary in Simala as powerful and miraculous in answering prayers, and I also learned that prayers should be specific, so I decided to sincerely try it myself. In that letter, I specifically prayed to become a topnotcher and to reach a 94% board rating, even if deep inside I never truly expected it to happen. I was surrendering everything to God, trusting that whatever result I would receive, I would accept it with gratitude. But God and Mama Mary answered my prayer in a way that left me in shock and in awe. I did not just receive part of what I asked for, I received 94% in General Education and eventually became March 2026 LEPT topnotcher.
Looking back, I realize my journey was not perfect, but it was real, painful, and meaningful. It taught me that even broken moments can still lead to beautiful endings. It taught me that faith can carry you when your strength is gone, and that perseverance can turn fear into victory.
To every future LEPT board exam taker, do not be afraid of your doubts and weaknesses. Pray sincerely and specifically, because God hears even the quietest prayers. And when you pray, do not stop there. Work for it with everything you have. Stay focused, stay disciplined, and stay faithful even when the journey feels heavy. Your current struggles are not the end of your story. They are preparing you for the success you are praying for.
KHERY JANE FERNANDEZ, LPT
Top 10, BLEPT March 2026
