Cebuano topnotchers ‘laid-back’ in review

No pressure, no problem.

This was the approach used by three Cebuano students who ranked in the top 10 of this month’s Medical Technologist (Med Tech) licensure examinations.

First-placer Isabelle Basubas Baisac of Cebu Doctors’ University (CDU), classmate Janna Barbra dela Cerna and second-placer Sherry Mae Casiño Mondido of Velez College all agreed that taking breaks in between reviews helped them hurdle the exams.

“Don’t think too much, it’s bad for you,” Baisac said.

She said she watched TV and opened her Facebook account from time to time to relieve the stress of reviewing for the exams.

A swimmer, Baisac was a dean’s lister in her first and second years of college and graduated third honorable mention at the Maria Montessori International School.

Topping the exams at a 91.70 percent average wasn’t expected, she said.

“I was actually very laid-back,” she said in Cebuano, adding that she even doubted whether she would pass or not since the exams were difficult.

When she heard from a friend that she topped the exams, Baisac laughed thinking it was a joke.

She said she had to run to her neighbor’s house to verify the results online.

“There, I found out that it was true. I could not believe it at all,” she said.

Mayol, who placed 8th in the exams, said she unwinded with friends in between study periods.

Both Baisac and Mayol said it helped that they relaxed since it helped them to think straight and analyze during the exams.

Constant prayers and family support also helped, they said.

Mondido, who garnered an 91.30 percent average to rank second in the exams, said it pays to pray and relax once in a while.

“I made sure that I have ample and quality time for rest after a period of intense studying. I eat well and also take my vitamins. And I always tell myself, ‘Kaya ko ’to!’ (I can do this!),” she said.

All three said they won’t work abroad unless they need to since they want to serve their fellow Filipinos.

“As long as there are opportunities here, I will work here. My friends and family are here. It’s much happier when you’re in your country,” Mayol said.