A Topnotcher’s Reality: Daniel’s story of faith, humility and perseverance during the busy season

Back in college, I dreamed of becoming a board topnotcher. That dream pushed me to prepare early, give my best in school, and stay focused during the review. I remember after handing in my final answer sheet, I felt something I couldn’t explain—as if that dream was finally within reach. Still, I reminded myself: “Do your best, but expect the worst.” 
 
When the CPALE results came out around midnight, I was overwhelmed with joy, relief, and a sense of fulfillment. I wanted to scream but kept quiet so I wouldn’t wake my family. The next morning, messages started flooding in. That’s when it truly sank in—I did it. I’m a board topnotcher. I’m living the dream I worked so hard for. 
 
The biggest contributor to that achievement was the discipline I developed in college—especially during the pandemic. I followed a strict daily routine: study from 9 AM to 9 PM, then rest. Eventually, it became second nature. I also joined academic competitions which trained me to think quickly and perform under pressure. It was a mix of self-discipline, practice, and the guidance of my professors that helped me succeed. 
 
But even after years of studying, nothing fully prepared me for applying all that knowledge in the real world. In school, problems were structured. There were multiple-choice options and clear answers. At work, there are no options A to D. The theories I once studied are now being put into practice. Clients don’t highlight key information —you have to dig, ask the right questions, and figure things out on your own. 
 
I could say that my first busy season was tough but fulfilling. Being a topnotcher doesn’t guarantee success at work. I was assigned to a big client right away, which added pressure—partly because I was a topnotcher and people might expect a lot from me. One of my first tasks during the busy season wasn’t even complex, yet I got stuck. That moment humbled me. I realized that doing well in school doesn’t automatically mean you’ll excel on the job. But my team made it easier. They treated me like any other beginner, encouraged me to ask questions, took my time adjusting and reminded me that mistakes are part of the process. I then realized that it was me who’s putting pressure on myself, not others. That shift in mindset allowed me to enjoy the experience. I began to build healthy habits by being consistent, staying curious, asking when I didn’t understand, and being okay with not getting things right immediately. 
 
More than just time management and discipline, it was the people I worked with who got me through the busy season. And though sleep was limited, I still found pockets of time to enjoy life hanging out with friends, pursuing hobbies, and recharge. 
 
If I could talk to my college self or to any other student aiming for the top, I’d say: keep going, even when progress feels slow or the results aren’t visible yet. Trust that God is fair and He won’t withhold what you truly worked for. All your effort, all those late nights, they matter. Take your time and be proud of how far you’ve come. Remember that you don’t have to be the fastest or the smartest; you just have to be the one who never stops trying.