iTanudan is Top 20 regional topnotcher in Nov. 2024 Midwifery Board Exam

If there is a will, there is a way.

This encapsulates the feat of a 21-year-old iKalinga who made it in the November 2024 Midwifery Licensure Examination as a regional topnotcher.

Melody Gulingan, an alumna of Kalinga State University, is one of the 3,997 successful takers out of the 5,398 who took the chance for the Midwifery board exam held on November 15 – 16 this year.

The good news was doubled when it was announced on Friday, December 6 that she is one of the Top 20 regional topnotchers in Cordillera.

In an interview with GURU Press Cordillera, the 21-year-old whose roots is from Taloctoc, Tanudan said she just wanted to pass the board exam and become a registered midwife. She didn’t plan to top as her goal was only to prepare herself for the board.

“Bonus ‘yon ni Lord na nakasali ako sa regional topnotchers,” she said.

Among the challenges she came across with while preparing for her biggest exam include financial woes which pushed her to look for a job to sustain her review.  While she struggled balancing her review and her job, she said time management and her family support are the keys to her victory.

“They[family] encouraged me to keep pushing forward. And sa mga spiritual family ko rin, who prayed and believed na kaya ko. I wanted to become a competent and compassionate midwife kaya ginawa ko ang best ko,” she shared.

As to those who will be taking the Midwifery board exam next, among Melody’s advice is to stay focus, work smarter, and to not forget to prioritize their inner peace and their physical health while preparing for the test.

“Trust in the Lord over anything. Believe in yourself and your abilities. Stay focused, iwasan muna makipagchismisan, work smarter, and don't be afraid to seek help when needed. Prioritize your inner peace and physical health, and maintain a positive mindset. Remember, the board exam is just one step in your journey as a midwife,” she said.