It was a double win for Our Lady of Fatima University’s (OLFU) Respiratory Therapy program as two of its graduates earned topnotcher status in the September 2019 Respiratory Therapist Licensure Examination.
With a rating of 87.75%, alumnus Rubenjie Hidalgo was named Top 2, while Levin Salazar placed Top 5 with a rating of 86.75%.
Both achievers found their feat rather unexpected, with Hidalgo highlighting the difficulty of the said test. The Top 2 placer shared that being in an allied medical course was never part of his initial plan. However, as time passed, he realized that he is right where he is supposed to be. “I think, the Lord put me here because it is His will for me,” he shared.
Salazar, on the other hand, talked about the struggles he had while preparing for the board exams. He said that, at some point, he felt that he had lost his eagerness and somehow questioned the direction he took; hence, he entrusted his future to the Lord and the rest was history – he passed and was even recognized as a topnotcher. “I now believe in the saying that ‘If it is for you, it is for you, no matter what happens,’” he said.
Back in their days as college students, Hidalgo and Salazar had already exhibited excellence in their chosen course as both were hailed Grand Champions of the student category of the Pautakan Baga: An Inter-School Respiratory Quiz Bee in 2018.
To advise fellow Fatimanians on the path to success, the topnotchers agreed that perseverance is key. “Work smart. Pray hard. Don’t lose hope for, at the end the day, it will all be worth it. And if in case you failed at something, it is not the end but instead be stronger than yesterday,” Hidalgo averred. “Try again, have faith, and never doubt yourself and God’s perfect timing. You can make it; you will make it,” encouraged Salazar.
For this edition of the boards, 90 newly licensed Respiratory Therapists are OLFU’s very own.
Congratulations!
