In the small town of Isabela, where dreams bloomed like flowers, there lived a determined duo—Ruszlin and his mother, Mrs. Merlita. Their intertwined journey reached a heartwarming crescendo when both conquered the September 2023 Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers(LEPT).

Ruszlin, a Louisian alumnus batch 2023, not only passed on his first attempt but did so side by side with his resilient mother, Mrs. Merlita, who is also a Louisian alumna batch 1999. The 46-year-old mother, working tirelessly at the DSWD, had faced the licensure exam 22 times before this triumph.

Ruszlin’s academic roots were fueled by a scholarship during his highschool years and a stint as a student assistant during college. Amidst the uncertainties of the pandemic, he found solace as a scholar and altar boy at San Jacinto Church in Ermita.

As the licensure exam approached, Ruszlin chose the path of a review center, sharing his resources generously with his mother, who opted for a different approach. Originally aspiring to pursue criminology or information technology, Ruszlin selflessly embraced his mother’s dream, enrolling as an educator to make her proud.

Now, having fulfilled their shared dream, Ruszlin contemplates to embark on a teaching career. In the tapestry of their intertwined aspirations, a tale of sacrifice, perseverance, and familial love unfolds—a story that echoes through the corridors of the University, inspiring others to chase their dreams against all odds.