Alyssa Eliana N. Bautista's story is truly inspiring, a Cum Laude graduate of Bachelor of Science in Criminology from PHINMA Araullo University in Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija, and she achieved the top spot in the July 2024 Criminologist Licensure Examination (CLE), scoring an impressive 92.10%.
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| Photo courtesy: Alyssa Eliana Bautista (FB) via PEP |
In an interview, Alyssa shared that she is the second of three siblings. Their father is a farmer, and their mother is a teacher.
Alyssa shared that criminology was not her first choice of degree program. She initially failed the entrance exam at a state university, but she didn’t let this setback discourage her. Instead, it fueled her determination, and she pushed herself to meet people’s expectations, immersing herself in her studies.
The pressure intensified as she prepared for the board exams, and she began doubting herself, wondering if she could succeed. What if she failed? As a Cum Laude graduate, it would be embarrassing if she didn’t pass.
So, she dedicated herself to her review, even as she fell ill on the second day of the actual exam. Despite feeling unwell, she remained focused, determined to give her best. Alyssa had always dreamed of becoming a topnotcher, and she was further inspired by a review lecturer’s words: if you’re going to dream, dream big.
Her advice to those like her who aspire to excel in their studies and become topnotchers is simple: keep dreaming and never give up. She emphasized that there are no shortcuts to success, saying, "There are bumpy roads ahead."
She hopes that when life’s challenges rain down on us, we’ll use our dreams as an umbrella—both for ourselves and for our families.
Alyssa now plans to pursue another degree program—Law—to become a lawyer.
Congratulations, Alyssa!
— Noel Ed Richards, The Summit Express
