Denver Pascua from Caloocan City initially thought that choosing a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering was a wrong decision, but it seems otherwise, as he graduated cum laude in 2022 from the University of Santo Tomas (UST) and placed 7th in the October 2022 Chemical Engineer Licensure Examination with a rating of 84.50%.
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| Photo courtesy: Denver Pascua via PEP |
Due to his father, an electronics engineer who worked abroad, and a relative who is also a chemical engineer, Denver was inspired to pursue a career in engineering.
“There was a story about him making a formula of soap and obtaining a contract for its use in the beverage industry.”
“As my father was also an engineer, I want to be part of engineering too,” he said in an interview on a local entertainment site.
Denver admits that he didn't have a passion for playing games as a child, unlike most of his peers. Instead, he preferred watching documentaries and sci-fi shows. He excelled in Math and Science, being a consistent honor student from Grade 3 through Junior High School, which is why he chose the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) strand in Grade 12.
However, once he entered college, he seemed to experience difficulties. He reportedly failed the diagnostic test for his chosen degree program, which led him to question whether he had made the right choice.
However, since the tuition had already been paid and he was already enrolled at UST, he decided to stick with it. Gradually, Denver adjusted to college life with the help of his intelligent friends and classmates. Group studies, consistent practice, and problem-solving exercises were instrumental in his progress.
He followed a similar approach when preparing for the board exam. However, during the actual exam, he faced significant difficulties, even feeling so stressed on the second day that he vomited. Despite the struggles and sacrifices, his efforts paid off as he became one of the topnotchers. He dedicated his success to his family.
Congratulations, Engr. Denver!
— Noel Ed Richards, The Summit Express
