There are moments in life when plans suddenly fall apart, leaving people uncertain about where they are headed next. For Jhade Vine Icot, what first seemed like a frustrating setback eventually became the redirection that led her to one of the biggest achievements of her life.
Jhade, a graduate of Cebu Technological University–Danao Campus, emerged as one of the Top 1 passers in the March 2026 Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) Elementary Level. But behind the remarkable achievement was a journey shaped not only by discipline and determination, but also by delays, sacrifices, self-doubt, and unwavering faith.
Raised in Liloan, Cebu, Jhade grew up surrounded by people who believed in her potential from an early age. Among them was her grandmother, who saw in her a future educator destined to make a difference.
Driven by her passion for teaching and her dream of creating meaningful change through education, Jhade pursued a Bachelor of Elementary Education degree at CTU–Danao Campus, where she graduated with Latin honors as Cum Laude.
After college, she immediately prepared for the September 2025 LET. However, just as she was about to take the examination, unexpected issues with her Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) documents prevented her from proceeding.
That lent her a quick stop signal. However, that was not her signal to abandon her mission, for she was continuously eager to end it triumphantly.
For many, the experience could have been discouraging enough to stop altogether. But Jhade chose otherwise.
“Despite the uncertainty of whether I would be able to take the exam, I continued reviewing and preparing,” she shared.
Instead of giving up, she redirected her focus toward the March 2026 LET and treated the delay as another opportunity to grow.
“I truly believe that this opportunity was meant for me,” she said.
She set off, in the care of the Falculan Twins’ Review Center (FTRC), on October 18, 2025. There, she boosted her focus, orienting herself to the study techniques she bet would work for her with constant practice.
Honed initially during her undergraduate studies through self-review, FTRC further developed her potential by becoming well-acquainted with the topics, dedicating more time to preparation, and, under the review center’s influence, building discipline and determination.
Even so, she made friends with the temptations, like immersing herself outside for enjoyment, balancing it with scheduled reviewing.
After all, nature could not get offended at her for checking some papers for some time. Although she had to sacrifice her sleep schedule, she opted to set priorities over any potential hindrances.
Moreover, love accompanied her journey. Her mother and boyfriend have been making sure she is surrounded by the support deemed necessary for her emotionally, amidst unanticipated periods of self-doubt.
Aside from the financial support she gets from them, she was also blessed to receive the most desired form of consolation to get a grip on herself.
As the clock ticked and the calendar leafed, she then finished the track triumphantly. When the results were released, Jhade found herself among the country’s Top 1 LET passers—an achievement she described as one of the most unforgettable moments of her life.
“It was truly one of the most unforgettable and life-changing moments of my life,” she said.
The experience also changed the way she viewed setbacks and uncertainty.
“I realized that when things do not go according to my plans, it does not mean that my dreams are being taken away from me. Rather, it may be part of a better path meant for me,” Jhade reflected.
For her, success was not simply about reaching the destination, but about trusting the process even when life takes an unexpected turn.
“I must stay present, keep moving forward, and continue fighting for what I aspire to achieve because, in the end, my dreams will also fight for me through the opportunities and doors that open along the way,” she added.
While Jhade battled time, she remained uncompromising in executing her mission, revealing her steadfast determination to reach the summit of success, like the gem she is.
Now standing among the country’s top-performing educators, Jhade continues to inspire aspiring teachers who may also be facing uncertainty in their own journeys.
“Fight for your dreams, future teachers,” she said. “The journey may be challenging, but it will all be worth it in the end. Stay committed, patient, and passionate in pursuing your calling in education.”
From an unexpected delay to becoming one of the nation’s top LET passers, Jhade Vine Icot’s story stands as a reminder that setbacks do not always mean failure. Sometimes, they simply lead people toward the path that was truly meant for them./Faith Hyacinth Pacquiao, CTU Main BAL Intern