Real achievement does not often come from following a rigid master plan, often it is a spontaneous result of dedication, character, and making the absolute most of the path right in front of you. For Roxine Ann B. Barrion of the UPV College of Management with a GWA of 1.3396, receiving top academic recognition was never a calculated goal, but a quiet surprise born from a simple commitment to excellence.
“This recognition was not something I actively pursued, much less expected,” she shared. “This award came as a surprise – more like a byproduct of simply doing what was expected than a goal I deliberately set for myself.”
Her journey in UP Visayas which led her to be the leading graduate of the UPV CM began not with a grand ambition, but with a highly practical choice. UP Visayas was not initially the graduate’s first option as she was qualified in the BS in Business Administration and Accountancy in UP Diliman, but UPV’s proximity to home made it the logical choice. Staying at UPV would mean opting for the stability, comfort, and convenience of home. UPV also prevailed because it would somehow unburden her parents. Such a decision ultimately delivered the best result.
UP education, according to Roxine, is renowned for its academic quality but it is equally famous for its grueling academic rigor and the intense challenges. Yet, the high-pressure environment did not break her – it made her. UPV exceeded every expectation in the most gratifying way possible. This is where she gained top-tier training while allowing her to assimilate with communities, deep connections, and lifelong shared experiences.
That significant decision provided an invaluable life lesson. “Growth is not chasing the path imagined for ourselves,” she reflected, “but recognizing the value of the path we are already on. Choosing UPV allowed me to fully appreciate and embrace the opportunities in front of me, with the resolve that I will make the most of wherever the decision would lead me.”
Maintaining an exceptional academic record while engaging in extra curricular activities required personal discipline. For this Roxinne, academics remained the ultimate priority. She attributed her outstanding performance to a genuine love for learning and two core daily habits: consistent effort and effective time management.
In a busy university environment, many would assume that taking care of oneself is not a welcome diversion but this graduate sees it differently. “Time and energy are finite sources meant to be valued and maximized in a way that is most beneficial to you,” she explained. “Prioritizing what is advantageous to me is not an act of selfishness but of stewardship – understanding my priorities, being deliberate toward my goals, and choosing to never spread myself too thin to the point that I become incapable of giving my best when it matters the most.”
With her graduation as the top student of her batch, she focuses on the next major milestone: the Licensure Examination for Certified Public Accountants (LECPA). Her immediate goal is to help carry on UP’s long-standing tradition of excellence and consistent passing rates on the board exams together with her classmates. She also plans to launch a career in public audit and finance, with a long-term goal of exploring international corporate opportunities and acquiring higher specialized certifications.
As an aspiring CPA and one who is getting into public practice, her ideals transcend just numbers and balance sheets. “I hope to use everything I have learned to enhance public trust in financial reporting and to contribute to a business environment grounded in transparency, accountability, and integrity,” the graduate stated. “I wish to bring with me the values of honor, excellence, and service that UP has strongly instilled in me.”
Written by AL Ramirez, IPO
#UniversityofthePhilippinesVisayas
