MANILA, Philippines – “This success is not just mine; it belongs to all of us.”
These were the heartfelt words of Carl Geoffrey Sanchez, who ranked Top 2 in the August 2024 Mechanical Engineering Licensure Examination (MELE), as he reflected on the emotional rollercoaster that led to his victory.
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| Photo courtesy: Carl Geoffrey Sanchez/Facebook |
In a deeply personal social media post, Sanchez recounted the triumphs and heartbreaks that defined his journey. “I’m not usually one to express my emotions openly, but this journey has been so meaningful that I feel compelled to share my deepest gratitude,” he wrote.
His story began in August 2023 when he joined a group, aiming to take the board exam by February 2024. Alongside his batchmates at Batangas State University (BatSU)-Alangilan, he worked tirelessly, fueled by dreams and determination. However, an unexpected hurdle crushed their plans—failure to meet certain graduation requirements meant they were ineligible to take the exam as scheduled.
“The disappointment was overwhelming—it felt like all our hard work, sleepless nights, and sacrifices had suddenly come crashing down,” he shared. “It was as if the ground had been pulled out from under us.”
But Sanchez refused to let that setback define him. Instead, he gathered strength, focused on the next opportunity, and doubled down on his efforts—an act of resilience that ultimately landed him among the topnotchers.
Grateful for the unwavering support of the people around him, Sanchez paid tribute to his family, mentors, classmates, and friends. “This achievement is not just mine; it belongs to everyone who stood by me throughout this journey,” he said, emphasizing how their encouragement gave him the strength to persevere.
He also dedicated a heartfelt message to his girlfriend, whom he met during his review. “Your love and support have been my greatest strength,” he said. “I couldn’t have achieved this without you.”
At the heart of his post was a deep sense of faith. “Above all, to God, who has been my constant source of strength and guidance throughout this journey—I am profoundly grateful,” he wrote.
Finally, Sanchez addressed the 2,341 board takers who did not pass this time, offering words of encouragement: “Every setback is a setup for a comeback. Keep believing in yourself, keep pushing forward, and know that success is still within your reach. Your time will come—don’t give up.”
With humility, faith, and gratitude, Carl Geoffrey Sanchez stands as an inspiration not just to aspiring engineers, but to anyone striving to rise above life’s challenges.
— Noel Ed Richards, The Summit Express