Edmar D. Bandoja graduated as magna cum laude in the five-year BS in Accountancy degree program of the College of Management. With a GWA of 1.332, he has attained the highest mark in his college, and the second highest in UPV.
He said that he wants to work as soon as possible in the midst of this pandemic because he is the expected breadwinner his family.
“They need me now more than ever. The current situation further compelled me to find work as soon as possible since this pandemic continuously affects one of my parent's source of income. My college degree will provide me opportunities better than what my parents currently have. After all their sacrifices and efforts to help me, it is now my turn to pay them back including those who helped me achieve my dreams.
When asked how felt to be CM’s top student, he has this to say:
“It was humbling. I came from a small town with almost a little, or no background of accounting. Simply graduating from the program was already a big achievement for me. On top of that, I felt very grateful because these would not have been possible without those people who supported me throughout my studies. I owe it all to them.”
How did his family celebrate his achievement? “My family congratulated me. And since I have already started my review preparations for the upcoming CPA Licensure Exam, let alone facing the current pandemic, that was more than enough for me.”
Looking back at the five rough and tough years of studying to earn his degree, he pointed that commitment to his goals in life, believing in himself, and the inspiration and motivation of relatives and friends made him persevere.
“UP trained me to become independent, open-minded, and one who is able to fully grasp the value of time,” he says of his UP education.
