Isha - MU Marketing Department
July 9, 2026 8:50 A.M.
29
Beyond the Grades
Not every board topnotcher graduates with Latin honors—and Charres B. Santa is living proof.
When she walked across the stage at Misamis University, Charres did so without the distinction of graduating cum laude, magna cum laude, or summa cum laude. Yet months later, she would earn a place among the Top 10 passers of the September 2025 Social Worker Licensure Examination, proving that academic honors are not the sole measure of one's potential. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, faith, and believing in oneself, even when the journey looks different from everyone else's.
For Charres, Misamis University was never simply the place where she earned her degree. It became her comfort zone, her second home, and a community that shaped both her personal and professional growth. Like many students, she experienced moments of self-doubt, questioned her abilities, and wondered whether she was doing enough. The pressure to compare herself with others was real, but she gradually learned that growth is not measured by how closely one's journey resembles someone else's. "MU has always been more than just a university to me—it has been my comfort zone, my second home, and a place that helped shape the person I am today," she shared.
Looking back, Charres hopes her journey will reassure students who sometimes believe that grades alone determine success. While she encourages every learner to work hard and strive for excellence, she believes academic achievements should never become the only measure of a person's worth. "Take it from me—I didn't graduate with Latin honors, yet by God's grace and through perseverance, I became a board topnotcher," she reflected. For her, the road to success was built not on titles or distinctions, but on consistency, determination, and the willingness to keep moving forward despite uncertainty. Every person's journey unfolds differently, and success comes in many forms.
Beyond perseverance, Charres also learned the importance of recognizing one's own potential. She believes humility should never prevent anyone from becoming the best version of themselves. Staying humble does not mean overlooking the gifts, talents, and purpose that God has entrusted to each person. Along the way, there will always be people who doubt your abilities, underestimate your potential, or discourage your dreams. Yet Charres chose not to let those voices become louder than her own faith. Instead, she remained focused on her goals, resilient through challenges, and steadfast in pursuing the future she envisioned.
As someone who proudly calls Misamis University home, Charres believes the institution's impact extends far beyond the classroom. For her, MU is a place that nurtures dream, builds character, and prepares students to create meaningful change in their chosen professions. The education she received was complemented by an environment that encouraged growth, resilience, and purpose—qualities that became invaluable throughout her journey toward the licensure examination and beyond.
Charres' achievement stands not only as a personal milestone but also as an inspiring reminder
to every MUan who may be questioning their own path. Success is not reserved solely for those
with perfect grades or academic honors. It belongs to those who remain committed to their
goals, trust God's timing, embrace every challenge, and refuse to give up on themselves.
CHARRES B. SANTA, RSW
Top 10 in September 2025 Social Worker Licensure Examination
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