What began as a simple desire to understand people and support them has brought Marianne Michelle Pardo, a Bachelor of Science in Psychology graduate of the University of Northern Philippines to the ranks of the country’s top-performing examinees.
A native of Zone 5, Bantay, Ilocos Sur, Pardo placed sixth in the 2026 Psychology Licensure Examination, turning years of study, disciplined preparation, and quiet determination into a milestone she once may not have imagined.
For Pardo, the achievement was never hers alone. She credited her parents, Mr. Armando Pardo and Mrs. Gloria Pardo, whose sacrifices and unwavering support sustained her throughout the journey. She likewise expressed gratitude to UNP, the College of Arts and Sciences, the Psychology faculty, her friends, her boyfriend, and everyone who encouraged her along the way. Above all, she acknowledged God for guiding and sustaining her.
Her journey into Psychology began with a desire to help others, shaped by her own experiences and observations of people around her.
“At that time, my understanding of Psychology was still very shallow, so I pursued the field thinking it was how I could offer more support to others,” she shared.
As she progressed through the program, however, her understanding of Psychology deepened. She discovered that the discipline demanded more than compassion—it required knowledge, skills, responsibility, and a commitment to professional excellence.
Preparing for the licensure examination, Pardo chose review materials suited to her learning style and reinforced her knowledge through drills and practice. Yet she also recognized that effective preparation meant listening to her own limits.
“I also made sure I only reviewed when I was mentally capable because even if I keep reviewing, ‘if walang pumapasok sa isip ko, wala rin,’” she said.
She also reminded fellow examinees not to measure their progress against others, emphasizing that every person has a different pace and approach to preparation.
Her success was further supported by UNP’s continuing assistance to Psychology graduates, including the free licensure examination review program held from July 27 to 31, 2026, and the GABAY sessions—Guidance and Assistance for BLEP-Takers by Alumni Psychometricians, which provided examinees with additional academic guidance and encouragement.
For Pardo, her sixth-place finish is more than a distinction. It is proof that determination, preparation, faith, and the support of others can carry a person beyond what she initially thought possible.
Now, she hopes her journey will inspire fellow UNPians to believe in their own potential.
“To my fellow UNPians, don’t convince yourself that you already know how far you can become. You can achieve more than what you know you could.”
And for those still pursuing their own dreams, she leaves a simple reminder: “Keep going, keep showing up. Trust God’s plans.”
