By Mae Singuay

A magna cum laude graduate from Bago City College (BCC) in Negros Occidental’s Bago City, ranked 10th in the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET).

Donabelle Tubal Fernandez, a Bachelor of Secondary Education-Major in Social Studies graduate and a resident of the city’s Barangay Taloc, was BCC’s first LET topnotcher.

She obtained a 92.80 percent rating, based on the result released by the Professional Regulation Commission on Thursday, December 7.

Her twin sister, Donnajean, who graduated cum laude, also passed the board exam.

“I appreciate everyone who sent me congratulations. How I wish I could respond to all of you,” Donabelle said in a Facebook post.

“My journey through passing the board exam for teachers was difficult and challenging. Every day, I review from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. or until midnight. I experienced a lot of anxiety and crying fits. Nevertheless, I simply give the Lord all of my worries. I prayed fervently and, indeed, my request was granted. I never thought I would become a topnotcher,” she said.

“I used to think of it as just a dream, but who would have imagined that I would come to realize it,” the topnotcher added.

Meanwhile, the BCC’s Teacher Education Department, in a Facebook post, lauded Donabelle for serving as inspiration for others and for exemplifying hard work towards success.

“Your outstanding achievement in the LET is not just a testament to your remarkable academic preparation and unwavering determination, but also a beacon of inspiration for your fellow education graduates and aspiring test-takers,” the department said.

It added that her journey is a shining example of what dedication and resilience can achieve./MS, WDJ