TACLOBAN CITY – A couple in this city proved that being in a relationship is not a hindrance to pursuing academic success.
Jhane Eyre Olmedo ranked 3rd in the 2022 licensure examination for teachers with a rating of 92.40%, while her boyfriend, Jonel Gallaza landed 8th in the 2019 board exam with 91% rating.
Both Gallaza and Olmedo graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Leyte Normal University (LNU) here in 2019.
"As long as your priorities in life are clear, and you're both on the same page, your relationship will not be a distraction in your studies,” said Gallaza, who has been in a relationship with Olmedo since they were in third year college.
Olmedo majored in Biological Science, while Gallaza specialized in Mathematics.
Both are taking their masters and creating video content on YouTube about scholarships and lessons to help the students in their studies.
"After almost two years of waiting for the board exam, I finally passed the examination! The days when I wanted to give up were so much greater than the days I genuinely wanted to try again for my dream," Olmedo said.
She was supposed to take the March 2020 examination but quarantine restrictions due to Covid-19 prevented her from doing so.
Olmedo recalled 2020 was so depressing that she even resorted to watching anime instead.
"I prayed so hard to be given a chance to take the exam the soonest possible time. My family and friends encouraged me to never give up," she added.
Olmedo enrolled in graduate school while she was waiting for the exam. She flew to Davao to take her review again in 2021.
Apart from family and friends, Olmedo said Gallaza is her best motivator in life.
"You are an inspiration that dreams are achievable even if hindrances arise. You conquered your dream and that made me conquer mine," she told Gallaza.
Meanwhile, her proud boyfriend said Olmedo deserves the achievement after her hardships and struggles.