Top 8 in Pharmacist Board Exam shares experience: ‘From a careless HS student to graduating with Latin honors!’

Sometimes, there are students who are really called "late bloomers." They are the type who are quiet or just average in class during their elementary or high school years, but when they reach college, that's when they become achievers and prove that it's never too late.

So, truly, anyone who used to be their classmates, teachers, and friends will be impressed.

Just like the story of Vince Patrick Dimailig Ruado, a cum laude graduate of Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy at Centro Escolar University (CEU), who also ranked in the top 8 in the Pharmacists Licensure Examination in 2023.

Top 8 in Pharmacist Board Exam shares experience
Photo courtesy: Facebook/Vince Patrick Dimailig Ruado

“This is for you My Little Angel Jin Skye My Fiancée, Mama and Papa,” he said on his Facebook post on November 8, 2023.

“To my family, friends, and professors from CEU and MANOR thank you for guiding me to bring out the best of my potential.”

“To God Be the Glory.”

In an exclusive interview with The Summit Express, Ruado admitted that during high school, he was the type of student often labeled as "careless" and "easy-go-lucky."

He emphasized that what mattered to him back then was maintaining decent grades, and achieving excellence to further boost his grades in various subjects and make it to the list of honor students wasn't a priority for him at that time.

“During my high school years I’m simply an average student who just wanted to enjoy my life as a teenager wherein I will go to school mostly to have fun and after dismissal I spend time with my friends to play basketball and video games,” he said.

“Before, I really don’t have much interest in studying and I don’t have plans to become an achiever because what is on my mind is just to comply with the requirements and study a little bit to pass the exams/quizzes of every subject in order not to fail because I don’t want to be a disappointment. As long as I don’t neglect studies and graduate on time even without an award my parents would still be proud of me.”

However, he shared that his mindset underwent a significant change when he had a heartfelt conversation with his instructor in Senior High School just before graduation. He was advised to take his studies more seriously upon entering college. He mentioned that he would never forget that moment.

“That was my mindset back then, until one day before my Senior High School graduation when my professor talked to me heart to heart and told me ‘Ikaw Mr. Ruado ayus-ayusin mo buhay mo sa college ha,’ up until now I still remember that moment.”

When he entered college, he claimed that he exerted all efforts into his studies, aiming not only for high grades but to achieve the coveted "1" or the highest mark. He did not disappoint, as he became a dean's lister and earned various scholarships due to his outstanding performance.

“I rightly told it to my parents and I saw their joy in their eyes. That point made me experience that it feels so good to make your own parents happy. It boosted my momentum to study harder even amidst the pandemic.”

Ruado found inspiration in the joy he saw on his parents' faces when they learned about his scholastic achievements. This motivated him to excel in his studies even more, despite the challenges of learning and their financial situation during the pandemic.

In an unexpected turn of events, his wife became pregnant, leading him to contemplate whether he should continue his studies or focus on finding work. However, he shared that his parents were supportive and encouraged him to finish his education.

“It served as my motivation to complete it as soon as possible. I really persevered not to fail and I prayed to God to help me and He actually did, He fulfilled my wish to graduate on time and He also gave me a Bonus by finishing my degree with a Latin Honor,” he said.

He mentioned that the one who encouraged him to take and review for the board exam was his wife.

While studying in an online review center, he also took care of his own family. He admitted that balancing review and being a family man was challenging, but he thought of it as something for his own household. Additionally, he wanted to fulfill his dream to become a registered pharmacist.

Similar to what he did when he was still studying, he prayed to the Lord that he would pass the board exam. And not only did he pass, but he also received a bonus!

“For the second time He actually did it again. He also gave me again a bonus by passing the licensure examination as a Topnotcher. I told it to my parents and wife immediately and they were shocked, I saw my father crying for the first time, he said ‘Sobrang sulit ang lahat’.”

Until now, Ruado reportedly can't believe everything that has happened to him.

“Up until now our joy was still unbounded and I still can't believe what happened, wondering if everything is just a dream.”

“From a Careless highschool student to Graduating with Latin honor to Passing the licensure exam as a Topnotcher.”

Congratulations, Vince Patrick!

— Noel Ed Richards, The Summit Express



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