For Joey Salinas Ramos, a current university instructor in Medical Laboratory Science at the University of Mindanao in Davao City and the University of the Immaculate Conception, being a topnotcher in the August 2022 Medical Technologist Licensure Examination (MTLE) is his "TOTGA."
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| Photo courtesy: Facebook/Joey Salinas Ramos |
TOTGA stands for "The One That Got Away." It’s often used to refer to someone who is considered the "perfect match" or an ideal partner, but for various reasons, the relationship didn’t work out or never happened. It’s commonly used in romantic contexts but can also be applied humorously or metaphorically to missed opportunities or things one regrets not pursuing.
Joey received a rating of 89.20%. However, the 10th spot in the Top 10 had a rating of 89.50%.
This is why Joey's caption in his Facebook post on August 31, 2022, was "Almost there..."
In an exclusive interview with The Summit Express, Joey shared that his original dream was to become a doctor. Back in college, he attempted to enroll in a state university's BS Biology program but was not accepted. He also failed the entrance exam for BS Pharmacy.
A cousin then told him that the University of Mindanao offered a BS Medical Technology program. He chose that over BS Nursing because he was afraid of blood and needles. Ironically, despite trying to avoid them, he still had to face the same challenges in the Medical Technology program.
“Though Med Tech was never my dream or plan, I now believe that God led me here. I’m grateful for this unexpected path, and I've grown to appreciate the field and its impact in ways I never imagined,” he said.
However, Joey's journey in college was far from easy. Aside from financial challenges, he also struggled with mental health issues.
“The pressure to maintain high grades for scholarships, meet academic expectations, and simply survive as a full-time student was overwhelming. The stress affected my physical health—I developed hypertension, gained weight, and struggled with anxiety. I also faced moments of breakdowns and even suicidal thoughts,” he admitted.
“Coming from a remote community in Davao del Norte, I experienced a significant culture shock in Davao City. Adapting to life in a bustling city far from home was a huge leap, and it was hard to cope with the new environment.”
“Despite all these challenges, God sustained me. Through the hardships, I survived, and I continue to believe that His guidance was with me every step of the way,” he added.
Joey was able to complete college with the help of his support system, graduating as a summa cum laude.
During review, he also faced several struggles in finances, and again, mental health issues.
“Health-wise, my hypertension worsened, primarily due to stress. There were moments when I couldn’t even study because of the physical symptoms. I struggled with sleepless nights and found myself crying, especially in the final week before the exam.”
“Despite all these challenges, I’m deeply grateful for my family, who constantly uplifted me, my prayer warriors and support system from church, my instructors, and the dean, who encouraged me and reminded me of my potential.”
“Most of all, I am thankful to God for sustaining me, giving me strength, and reigniting my hope and optimism during the toughest times,” he reiterated.
He shared that he was in the bathroom when the board exam results were released. Many people congratulated him afterward.
Although he didn’t make it to the list of topnotchers, he expressed immense gratitude to God and to all the significant people in his life who supported him throughout his journey.
“Gracefully, I didn’t make it to the top, but I came very close. I honestly never expected to achieve such a high rating, but God’s greatness proved that nothing is impossible with Him. I’m beyond grateful for how far I’ve come, and all the glory belongs to Him,” he said.
His message to all boardtakers: “To all future board takers who dream of passing or topping the exams: Don’t lose yourself along the way. You’ve chosen a difficult path, and that’s something to be proud of. Embrace the challenges and be grateful for them.”
“Study smart and choose your battles. If there are topics you’re not fully confident in, focus on them. Even if you’re not an expert, make sure you’re at least familiar with the key concepts. This way, you can eliminate wrong choices during the exam, even if you don’t know the exact answer.”
“Take every opportunity to learn—whether it’s through seminars, online courses, or other resources. Build strong study and reading habits, and stay flexible in your review. Embrace every part of the process and find reasons to enjoy the journey, even when it feels tough.”
“I believe in you! You can do it! And always remember, never stop praying and trust in your faith. I’ve experienced firsthand how God’s divine intervention can turn obstacles into triumphs and how faith can transform fear into success. Keep believing, and you’ll find your way,” he emphasized.
Congratulations, Joey!
— Noel Ed Richards, The Summit Express
