BY: HADJI MHOR SARA (UB INTERN) AND VALERIE ANN DISMAYA

BAGUIO CITY – In San Carlos City, Pangasinan, Hannah Thea De Guzman has made a mark by ranking 5th in the March 2025 Medical Technologist Licensure Examination. The youngest child of two public school teachers, De Guzman’s achievement reflects the values of passion and perseverance instilled in her from an early age.

Growing up in a home where education was highly regarded, De Guzman recalls her parents as her biggest influences.

“Both my parents are teachers,” she says. “So I grew up valuing education deeply.”

Surrounded by books and constant discussions about school, it was no surprise that she chose to pursue a career in the medical field, not as a teacher like her parents, but as a future doctor.

Choosing Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science as her course was a thoughtful decision. De Guzman saw it as the perfect stepping stone toward her ultimate goal of becoming a licensed medical professional before entering medical school.

“The curriculum really drew me in,” she says, citing her love for science and the human anatomy. Encouraged by a friend’s positive experience at Saint Louis University (SLU) in Baguio City, she ultimately decided to enroll there, a decision that proved to be pivotal.

Despite receiving a tempting scholarship offer from the prestigious university in Manila, De Guzman chose SLU, which she believed was better aligned with her long-term aspirations.

“SLU was the best choice,” she explains. “It’s closer to home, the school has an excellent track record, and the environment is nurturing.” This decision marked not just an academic choice but a deeply emotional and strategic one.

At SLU, De Guzman found more than just an education. The university became her second family. “From the beginning, they supported me not just academically but emotionally,” she says.

This support helped her navigate the pressures that came with being one of the top students during her graduation year. “I carried not just my name, but also my school and my city,” she admits. However, she did not let this pressure overwhelm her. Instead, she used it as fuel for her determination.

When the results of the board exam were announced, De Guzman did not check the list herself. Her friends were the ones to break the news that she had ranked 5th nationwide.

“It took days before it really sank in,” she says, smiling at the memory. “I was on cloud nine that first night.” Yet, she remains humble and grounded. “It’s not just my success. It’s SLU’s, it’s my family’s, and it’s the Lord’s plan unfolding.”

Her preparation for the board exam was unconventional. De Guzman chose to study online at home, while many of her peers attended face-to-face review sessions.

“It was my worry at first,” she admits. “But I learned that being online doesn’t mean you’re at a disadvantage. It’s how you use your time, your mindset, and your heart that matters.” By maintaining a healthy balance between rest and study, she was able to avoid burnout and keep her focus sharp.

De Guzman joined two review centers—ACTS and Legend—ultimately becoming a part of the Legend Review Center family. This allowed her to mentor future board exam takers, a full-circle moment for her. “Even before the results, I wanted to be a mentor,” she shares. “I wanted to guide others the way I was guided.”

She is quick to acknowledge the roots that shaped her success.

“San Carlos City raised me. SLU trained me. God led me,” she says. Each step of her journey reflects gratitude for the community that supported her, from her hometown to the university that honed her skills.

As she takes a brief respite from the demands of school and the board exams, De Guzman is already planning her next steps. While medical school is in her future, she is not rushing into it. “I’ll take a break first, mentor for a while, and prepare myself for the next journey,” she says, her determination unwavering but tempered with patience.

Though De Guzman comes from a family of educators, she has chosen a different path. Yet, in many ways, she continues to inspire and uplift others, sharing her knowledge and experiences. “I guess teaching is in my nature. Even if it’s not in the classroom, I’ll always be sharing what I know.”

To those preparing for future board exams, De Guzman offers simple but powerful advice: “Rest. Don’t push yourself when you’re already tired. It’s okay to take a break. When you study, do it with a clear mind and a rested heart.”

Her approach to success is grounded in self-care and balance, key elements she believes contribute to long-term achievement.

Success, according to De Guzman, is not about rankings. “Whether you become a topnotcher or not, do it for yourself. Do it because you want to grow,” she advises. For her, success is about effort, intention, and personal growth, not just numbers or recognition.

De Guzman’s story is an inspiring reminder that academic excellence is not defined by loud victories or grand gestures. Instead, it is the quiet perseverance, the guidance of mentors, the support of family, and the dedication to one’s goals that lead to the most meaningful achievements. Her journey embodies the truth that greatness is possible through steady determination and a heart committed to something bigger than oneself.

As Hannah Thea De Guzman stands at the threshold of even greater accomplishments, she is a beacon of hope for students who are navigating their own academic challenges. Her story proves that with the right mindset and values, success is not just achievable, it is inevitable.