Ma. Cherryl Mae Sapaden Paga of Rizal, Kalinga, 22 and a graduate of the Kalinga State University was named top 10 regional topnotcher in the February 2025 Criminology Licensure Exam on April 22.
In an interview with GURU Press Cordillera, the 22-year-old hailing from Bulbul, Rizal said she had her fair share of struggles while preparing for the board exam. This, however, did not mean not aiming and praying to top the test.
“Kahit po December noon, nagbabasa parin po ako para lang po ma-achieve ko ‘yong target goal ko na ma-review po lahat ng subject and ma-master sila per area. Actually, nag-aim po ako na mapabilang sa mga national topnotcher but God redirected my path to become a regional topnotcher and super thankful na po ako dun,” she said.
Among the challenges Cheryl came faced while preparing for her exam include limited financial resources. Even with such a situation, she pushed herself to be better, even more so that she is the eldest.
“My family is my greatest motivation po. As an eldest daughter and grandchild, gusto ko po iparanas sa kanila yung maginhawang buhay naman po. I really want my family to live the best life kaya nag aral po ako ng mabuti at nagsumikap. Despite po sa problem financially during my college days, nagpatuloy po ako kasi very eager po ako na makapagtapos po ng pag- aaral,” she narrated.
Among Cherryl’s advice to anyone planning to take the Criminology board exam is to make a study plan ahead of time, be mentally and physically prepared, and to pray.
“Pagbutihin po nila sa pagrereview. Also, prepare their mental health po kasi ang pagrereview is nakaka-depress and ang daming ‘what ifs’ na maglalaro sa mga isipan nila. And don’t forget to pray kasi yan po ang pinakamabisang anting anting sa board exam,” she shared.
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