We often hear the common phrase from Gen Z nowadays, "Heal your inner child." This means doing in the present the things you were unable to do as a child, for various reasons, now that you have the means and ability to make them happen.
But for Yuan Masuda, a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry graduate from the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM), being in the top 5 of the October 2024 Chemists Licensure Examination, with a rating of 90.55%, is not about healing but rather a dedication to his inner child.
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| Photo courtesy: Yuan Masuda (Facebook) via PEP |
In an interview with an entertainment website, Masuda shared that he had been fascinated with chemistry since he was a child. He eagerly explored anything and everything related to the subject.
So when he entered college, he chose a degree program related to chemistry. However, unlike the typical financial struggles many students face, Masuda's challenges were more about his social skills. He admitted that he found it difficult to build friendships during his four years of study.
“I stayed true to my goal to finish this course for my inner child who is waiting and cheering me on at the finish line,” he said.
He overcame his struggles and eventually graduated from college. While reviewing for the board exam, Yuan decided to pursue a master's degree to further his learning and increase his chances of landing a higher-paying job. But he also thought that his resume might reflect a lack of work experience, so he decided to take on a part-time faculty position at the College of Saint Benilde.
When asked if the board exam was hard for him, “I said the same thing again and again: the exam felt like a breeze.”
The truth is, Yuan never expected to be a topnotcher. So when the results were released, he and his friends went out to celebrate. This, he said, was the culmination of his college journey.
— Noel Ed Richards, The Summit Express
