For many aspiring educators, passing the Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (LET) is already a dream fulfilled. But for Cebu Technological University–Main Campus graduate Lynn Heart M. Luad, what seemed like an impossible dream became a remarkable reality after she emerged as the Top 1 passer in the March 2026 LEPT Elementary Level with an outstanding 95% overall rating.
Behind the achievement, however, is a story not only of academic excellence but also of uncertainty, resilience, sacrifice, faith, and the people who shaped her journey.
Lynn Heart’s academic path began in Canduman, where she completed her elementary and high school education at Canduman Elementary School and Canduman National High School. Carrying vivid memories from her early school years, she eventually pursued a Bachelor of Elementary Education at Cebu Technological University–Main Campus.
Her decision to become a teacher was deeply rooted in the influence of her elementary teachers and her admiration for young learners.
“Aside from my elementary teachers, the memories that I’ve had back in elementary were quite vivid and memorable for me,” she shared.
“I also adore little children, and I believe that the foundations we instill and strengthen in learners at a young age, especially in elementary school, are vital in honing them to their fullest potential and the right path,” she added.
Despite eventually becoming the nation’s top examinee, Lynn Heart admitted that she initially doubted herself even before taking the board examination. She enrolled at the FTRC Mandaue Branch for her review, though uncertainty lingered throughout the process.
During her preparation, she discovered that understanding her own learning style became one of her greatest advantages. Rather than relying heavily on memorization, she focused on understanding concepts deeply and explaining lessons in her own words. She also used witty mnemonics, piggyback songs, and constant practice drills to retain information more effectively.
“I try to grasp the core idea of a content and explain or understand a certain content and explain it to myself in my own words, as it helps me retain it. Witty mnemonics and piggyback songs also helped a lot,” she said.
Still, the road to success was far from easy.
One of the greatest burdens she carried throughout college and her review season was her family’s financial situation, particularly her mother’s ongoing medical condition.
“My mother was in and out of the hospital since I was in my third year in college. Now she needs dialysis and medication, so it’s quite a struggle and a worry of where we can find the means to sustain it, plus our living conditions,” Lynn Heart shared.
There were also moments of discouragement and self-doubt. Describing herself as someone who tends to overthink, she admitted that anxiety often accompanied her review journey. Fortunately, she found comfort in the people around her.
“My family became my constant strength, my friends my daily motivation and affirmation, and my lecturers my guide toward the right path. Without them, I’ll waver and rot,” she said.
She also expressed deep gratitude to Cebu Technological University and the College of Education faculty that prepared her for the licensure examination.
“I am always grateful to CTU and the COED professors for the rigorous training and drills that they provided, which set the foundations of my review journey,” Lynn expressed.
Among those she acknowledged were Sir Plando, Sir Duites, Ma’am Harlene, Ma’am Villaganas, and several instructor-topnotchers including Ma’am Niki, Ma’am Baylon, Ma’am Tine, Sir Echo, and Sir Victor, whom she credited for sharing valuable insights throughout her preparation.
When the results were finally released, Lynn Heart initially struggled to believe the news.
“When my friend told me, I didn’t actually believe her. I thought she was just kidding and making fun of me. But then came the results, and it felt surreal,” she recalled.
“Up until now, it still feels like everything is a dream I once dared not dream of.”
Although she hoped to place in the Top 10, earning the number one spot was something she never expected.
The achievement, for Lynn Heart, represents more than personal success.
“It means achieving a dream I once dared not dream, but which is now a reality. This success is the product not only of myself, but the parts of me that are shaped by the connection and interaction amongst people and situations I’ve had from the past until now,” she reflected.
Lynn Heart remains grounded in humility and faith despite her success in one of the country’s most prestigious professional examinations.
For aspiring educators and future LET takers, she shares a message of reassurance and courage.
“Know your weakness and work on it. Do what works for you, even if it’s unconventional. Being doubtful and uncertain is totally normal. What you feel is valid. Do not be overly complacent in your studies during the review, but don’t abuse yourself too,” she shared.
“Don’t forget to have fun. Do not be afraid of trying. If you fail, thank yourself for being brave enough to do it, and don’t wallow in despair over what-ifs, because you’ll never get an answer. If you pass, all the more that you should thank yourself for having proven that you can indeed do it despite the inner struggles you face,” she advised.
Above all, she emphasized the importance of faith.
“Talk to Him and pray. Rest all your worries with Him,” she said. From a young girl inspired by her elementary school memories to becoming the nation’s Top 1 LET passer, Lynn Heart M. Luad’s story stands as a testament that even the dreams we barely dare to imagine can become reality through perseverance, faith, and the courage to keep moving forward despite uncertainty./Al Rayan Tomalondog, CTU Main BAEL Intern