Turning the pebble into marble: CatSU's self-review board topnotcher walks the less traveled road to success

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Turning the pebble into marble: CatSU's self-review board topnotcher walks the less traveled road to success

For 25-year-old Engr. Divina V. Gonzales, acing the 6th spot in the Master Plumbers Licensure Examination (MPLE) was not easy, defying all odds to achieve greatness as a full-time structural engineer while self-reviewing for the board examination.

But through her hard work and perseverance, the cum laude civil engineering graduate of the Catanduanes State University turned the impossible into possible after the results of the July 2023 MPLE unfolded, and was still in utter disbelief.

Raised in Hawan Grande, in the capital town of Virac, this young achiever attained a rating of 85.70 percent and bested 5,107 other examinees across the country. 

“Hanggang ngayon ‘di pa rin ako makapaniwala dahil kaonti po ‘yong oras ko sa review at sinabay ko po ‘iyon sa trabaho. May mga tanong na ‘di ko na-encounter during self-review,” Gonzales shared in an interview.

“Pero sobrang saya ko kasi knowing na nagbunga ‘yong pinaghirapan ko, kahit maraming beses ako pinanghinaan ng loob. Ipinagpatuloy ko lang para sa sarili at pamilya ko,” she added.

Chartering a different path

Unlike many aspiring master plumbers who join review centers, Engr. Gonzales decided to take a different route. With her full-time job, she undertook a self-review journey.

“Pagkatapos ng office hours, pagod na physically at mentally, ‘di na po ako nakaka-review nang maayos. Wala rin akong maayos na space para mag-review dahil may mga kasama po ako sa staffhouse at lights off na usually ng 10-11 p.m., kaya nagbabasa na lang po ako ng reviewer sa phone,” she shared.

But drawing inspiration from her parents’ struggle in raising five children, the daughter of a surveyor and a housewife persisted in achieving her ultimate goal.

“Nakita ko ‘yong hirap nila para makapag-aral kaming magkakapatid. Gusto ko lang po silang mabigyan ng mas maayos na buhay. Ang sarap lang po sa pakiramdam na nakakatulong na ako sa kanila,” Gonzales said.

Mapping out opportunities

During her five years stay at CatSU after graduation in 2019, the native Viracnon not only excelled in academics but also in off-campus competitions, learning to always enter a door of opportunities.

“As CatSU student, you have to make the most out of every opportunity na binibigay sayo. Ilang beses din ako nabigyan ng chance para i-represent ang CatSU sa iba’t ibang contest, at dahil dito na-invite ako ng isang review center upang bigyan ng free review for civil engineering board exam kasama na lodging,” she recounted. 

One of the contests she joined with flying colors was the 37th National Civil Engineering Students Quiz as a grand finalist, after notching first place at the regional level.

Her achievement did not end after graduation, falling short of only two points to the Top 1o spot at the National level, she attained an incredible rating of 89.35% during the November licensure examination for civil engineers.

Setting wise cues

Imparting advice to fellow CatSUans to pass and even top the board exam, Engr. Gonzales shared some important tips to follow: study routine, possess self-discipline, take care of one’s health, focus, and avoid distractions.

“Be consistent and make studying a habit. Kailangan sanayin ang sarili sa pagsagot ng exams sa reviewers para pagdating ng actual na board exam ‘di ka na mabibigla at medyo confident ka nang sumagot,” Gonzales stated.

“Gumawa ka ng sarili mong schedule at magbigay ng extra effort para masundan ito. Make studying easier. Hindi mo kailangang kabisaduhin lahat ng nasa reviewer word by word. Puwede kang gumawa ng patterns and mnemonics, or i-relate mo sa ibang bagay ‘yong inaaral mo,” she added.  

Also, the master plumber topnotcher advised the takers to avoid distractions and always set priorities.

“Magpahinga rin nang tama sa oras at alagaan ang katawan. Balewala lahat ng aral mo kung magkakasakit ka sa mismong araw ng exam,” Engr. Gonzales added. 

With her unwavering spirit, Engr. Gonzales has proven that she is not just a master plumber but a master of life's extraordinary journey.

She has now etched her name in the records of CatSU’s historical feats and serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring engineers, especially for young women, for taking the uncharted path and now standing with pride in the middle of a less traveled road. #AGC