Angelica Balitnang Bagsao never considered she would one day top the board examinations, but she did.
Angelica ranks top 10 in December 2021 Criminology Board Exam garnering a rating of 88.35%, bringing honor to her school - the International School of Asia and the Pacific.
In an interview with Guru Press, Angelica shared that she had doubts about her abilities, which is why she never thought about being one of the topnotchers. Just like any other examinees, she just prepared for the exam and did her best to pass.
She cited her family as her inspiration and the lack of confidence to do her best on her journey to become a certified criminologist.
“My inspiration is definitely my family and myself also. I have doubts about my abilities, so this is somehow a proof for myself to gain some confidence,” Angelica said.
Choosing Criminology as her course
Criminology was not Angelica’s first choice, but her father’s. She said she later learned to appreciate the said course as it was her childhood to be a detective.
“It was actually a childhood dream to become a detective, which is kind of similar to being an investigator in the PNP, but I have yet to finally decide on which career to pursue po,” Angelica said.
Preparing for the board exam
Having received her degree in June 2020, Angelica had to wait for more than a year before she could take the Criminology board exam due to postponement amid the pandemic.
Because of this, Angelica recalled taking the preparation for the exam for granted at some point describing it as, “naging masyadong relax po ako.”
However, when the scheduled December 2021 board exam was confirmed to be conducted, it was then that Angelica started studying seriously and enrolled at a review center in Baguio City.
Due to the threat of Covid-19, lecture schedules were affected, forcing her to review on her own as well.
While preparing for the exam, the greatest challenges she had to endure was the emotional and psychological effect of the pandemic but overcame them with the support of her family who provided everything she needed.
‘It’s not entirely based on how smart you are’
Angelica’s advice to Criminology students who will be taking the board exam is to read extensively as she realized from her experience that the extent of knowledge that one must acquire is important.
“Nung nag-take po ako ng board exam, na-realize ko po na it's not entirely based on how smart you are but also on the extent of knowledge you have,” she conveyed.
She added that it is important to take studying seriously, for it is easier to review for the board, citing one of her lecturers who said that ‘the best review is the actual studies’.
“And finally, ask the guidance of the Lord po,” she further advised.
Angelica is one of the 11,610 who passed the examination out of the 33,983 who took the December 2021 Criminology Board Exam.
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