THE 21-year-old graduate of Velez College, Cebu still could not believe he topped the August 2013 Medical Technologist Licensure Examination.
Ray Zanoria Perez II came up on the top of 2,276 passers of the board exam with a score of 92.10 percent.
The exam was given by the Board of Medical Technology in the cities of Manila, Baguio, Cebu and Davao.
“Usahay maglisod gihapon ko og tuo igtan-aw nako sa akong score kay during the exam di man jud ko kaingon nga kaning akong answer sure ni nga sakto (I still can’t believe it when I look at my score because during the exam, I cannot say for sure that my answers were correct), so you just answer the best you can,” Perez said.
He said his confidence had flagged several times during the second half of the two-day exam, but he maintained his presence of mind.
He said he grew anxious when he accidentally made a mark on his test paper. He sought the advice of the exam watcher, who told him to erase the mark. He was relieved when he was able to erase it.
Perez said being away from his family for the first time to review for the board exam in Manila was not easy but his sacrifices paid off.
Doctor
He said he had difficulties adjusting to the life in Metro Manila and felt intimidated by the other reviewers.
Perez said he intends to get a medical degree and become a doctor.
Perla Vinarta, assistant dean of the College of Medical Technology of Velez College, said Perez was a transferee but he always had high scores during exams and quizzes.
Vinarta said Velez College is glad with the turnout of the board exam. “Our students made it even if we don't offer in-house review. I think we equipped them for the board exam,” she said.
“We are always above the national passing rate,” said Dr. Cecilia Lepon-Capatoy, dean of the College of Medical Technology of Velez College.
A nursing graduate of Velez College also topped the Nurse Licensure Examination last June while two medicine graduates of its affiliate, Cebu Institute of Medicine, landed on the first and seventh place of the Physician Licensure Examination last August. (USJ-R Masscom Intern Cindy S. Parilla)