Take It From Her

What does it take to be a topnotcher and how does it feel to be one? Let's experience a little bit close to reality with first hand information from one of the topnotcher from the roster of 8 coming from my Alma mater San Pedro College - Marie Angelique Go. She'd quiver by the sound of this. She prefers Marie or Pagel rather than Angelique.

She's more than just a pretty face. The brains, the wit, the beauty... everything rolled into this wonderful person. She was always the one who knew the answers to the questions. Effortless intellect I'd dare say. I remember way back college years everyone would say they didn't study for the test when in fact they did. But I've witnessed this woman - she really doesn't study but she still gets high scores. I wish I had that ability. I asked her before how does she do that. She quips that she just puts in mind to remember the important details and understand them... And what if everything's important? Then remember everything. Simple and logical.


This pretty girl over here just turned 22 and she's just starting on her future. She plans to take medicine this coming June. In the meantime she's still enjoying her free time before she gets all busy again. Quite a traveller! I think it's just a fair and a well deserved reward for herself. She has been acknowledged a lot of times for her excellence... Even during graduation, pinning, and the like. She never goes home empty handed. There's always something for her.

And of course this post wouldn't be interesting without the Q&A portion. I just hope I asked the things you wanted to know. So here it goes!

What were your preparations for the board exam?

I actually did not have any significant preparations. I just tried to understand concepts during review. I played "Hall of Fame" by The Script a few days before the board exam to pump me up. And I tried to stay calm.

How did it feel when you knew that you topped the board exam?

It felt surreal. Totally unbelievable, since I never expected it to happen. My classmate and friend Budi called me and gave the news while I was in Manila.

I remember we were texting each other and she wouldn't believe that the results were coming out that day. I told her that we were just waiting what her spot would be on the top 10. Almost all of us were certain that she was going to top it. It was totally expected from someone with undeniable intelligence. Did she expect it?  She didn't saw it coming since she was not as studious as the other people in their classroom according to her. "In the review center I'm known as the girl who's always late or absent." She told herself that if ever she pass that would be good and it would be a bonus if she tops it. "If bagsak, well, it's not the end of the world... May next time pa naman."

How did you celebrate?

It was kind of a double celebration since the results were released a day before my sister's wedding. We ate out and booked a flight back to Davao for a thanksgiving party.

This thanksgiving was necessary. A lot people were there and it was just plain fun! It truly was a celebration. Food, karaoke, great people and a lot more. It's nice to see a crowd just oh so happy for each other.

What is the most nerve wracking moment during the whole preparation until the actual board exams?

The most nerve wracking moment for me was when the proctor forgot to remind us of the remaining time and instead told us the time 15 minutes before the deadline. It really rattled me since I hadn't finished reading all the questions and I haven't shaded even 1 item.

Things like this really happen. During the board exam you may hear various complains about how the proctor  handles the room or how uncomfortable the testing room was. Stuff like that. So you really have to orient yourself with these things beforehand. It's important to attend the mock board too, just so you know how it feels like during the actual board exam.

How do you study? Any studying tips?

I don't really "study"... I try to understand the lessons as opposed to plain memorizing them; that way, no matter how they phrase a question, if you understand what they're talking about, you can answer. Also, don't expect to know all the answers. And don't beat yourself up when you don't know some things. Just be calm, but focused.

Does pressure affect her? Well in her case other people pressured her more than her family did which she found utterly amusing. Even the parents of her friends were telling her to top the board exam. On the other hand her parents just wanted her to pass it. "I think they realized that pressuring me to top wouldn't do my nerves any better."

What does it take to be a topnotcher?

I think being a top notcher means doing your best. Also, it doesn't hurt to be prepared. Try to learn as much as you can and make sure to prepare your things days or a week before the exams to lessen the anxiety.

What are the perks of being a top notcher?

The perks? Well, it's like you become an instant artista. People congratulate you and make you feel like you're a hero or something. We got to have special seats during oath taking, had our faces on newspapers and tarpaulins, and received awards and a certain distinction. But I think the best perks of attaining this status are being able to make your family proud of you and the opportunity to inspire other people to do their best too. This wasn't just MY success, MY moment of glory... This was a success for all of us - my family, friends, school. and peers, a testament to the glory and grace of God.

Featured in a Chinese newspaper

And here's a short and simple message from the topnotcher for the future board exam takers...

To all those who will take the board exam for the first time. I know that it is very anxiety-provoking for you guys; I've been through it. Just try to stay calm and focus on learning as much as you can. Know your strong and weak points; cultivate your strong points and work hard to overcome your weak points. Trust in God's will.

For the repeat takers, if at first you did not pass, I think you will start to doubt your capabilities... But I tell you, you are not, and will never be, a failure. Just do your best. Keep learning, keep improving. There is no such thing as failure, only delayed success. Don't take it too hard when you don't pass. There is always a next time. It is not the end of the world. Keep believing in yourself and trust in God's plan for you.

Well? What more can I say? Take it from her ;)

Until the next feature!