By Karren Jay G. Asgar
Congratulations to Centralian Faith Grace Dalabajan Rivas for achieving the Top 9 spot in the September 2024 Licensure Exam for Teachers (LET). To God be the glory!
Faith Grace Dalabajan Rivas, a graduate of Bachelor of Special Needs Education, Magna cum Laude, under the CPU-College of Education has clinched the 9th spot in the September 2024 Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers- Elementary Level.
Aside from Rivas’ academic distinctions, she also served as the President of the Special Needs Education Society and was awarded as the Most Outstanding Mayor under the College of Education for the School Year 2022-2023. In an online interview, she shared that she cherished the heartfelt moments that made her time unforgettable within the Centralian community. She would always treasure the beauty of the campus—its vast fields and serene spaces. Even during the demanding days of reviewing for the board exam, she often took breaks to find solace in the University’s big field, breathing in the calm and resetting her mind.
“Two events will forever hold a special place in my heart: the yearly Praise Jams and the magical Festival of Lights. These celebrations brought joy, unity, and light to my Centralian journey, reminding me of the beauty of community and tradition. These experiences, both big and small, have made my four years in Central truly unforgettable—a time I will carry with me for the rest of my life,” she said.
With her mother being a proud Centralian Engineer, she had always felt a sense of connection and belongingness to the Centralian community. She also shared that the College of Education’s reputation for excellence was simply a bonus to her. Her heart was set on becoming a Centralian student, and looking back, she could confidently say it was one of the best decisions she had ever made.
When asked about her unforgettable moments in Central, she shared, “My four years in Central were truly memorable, particularly when face-to-face classes resumed. The most impactful moment for me was being appointed as the new President of the Special Needs Education Society—an organization for future Centralian SPED teachers. Initially, I was hesitant to accept the challenge, but I took the risk, and it turned out to be the best year of my journey so far. Participating in various school programs and leadership training activities played a significant role in building my confidence and enhancing my leadership skills.”
On the day the results of the examinations came in, she was very calm the whole day, because she knew and was confident that she would pass. However, when the review center staff informed her that she is one of the topnotchers, particularly rank 9, her hands began to shake, and she could hardly focus on finding the website. Instead, she asked someone to send her a picture of the results. Overwhelmed with joy, the first thing she did was call her parents. Then, she knelt down and prayed, thanking God for answering her prayers.
“It was the CPU College of Education that provided me with the opportunity to receive a full scholarship for my review center. I can truly say that the Centralian Community is student-centered and highly considerate of its learners. This kind of supportive environment, along with the guidance of dedicated professors and instructors, has played a significant role in my success. They inspired us to always strive for excellence and not settle for mediocrity. Their encouragement helped me excel not only in the board exams but also in every exam I have taken in the past. CPU has been an integral part of my journey, and I would not be celebrating this achievement today without their support,” she added.
Her advice to Centralians who wish to also top the exams is to pray and ask God for guidance, but also commit to doing their part. “Give your best effort and never settle for ‘good enough’—always strive for excellence. Embrace your college journey and value your professors and instructors, as they play a vital role in the greater purpose that God has planned for you,” she remarked.
She reminds students that success is not just about reaching goals but also about growing along the way. Trust the process, stay focused, and keep faith in God’s perfect timing.
With her strong determination to clinched top 9 spot, Faith Grace Dalabajan Rivas stands as a testament to what can be accomplished with hard work and commitment – qualities that define a Centralian.