From Reviewers to Purpose: The Journey of NEU’s Psychometrician Topnotcher

Long before her name appeared on posters and congratulatory messages as the Top 4 in the September 2025 Psychometrician Licensure Examination, Yanelle Gatchalian was, first and foremost, a student. With books on her desk, post-its lining her notes, and reviewers piled, Yanelle was driven by the dream and passion to make a difference—even in her own little way—in addressing the growing conversation about mental health today.

As a young student, Yanelle was interested in human behavior—particularly in the principles of psychology, as well as how the brain works. With her curiosity piqued by these topics, she was inspired to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Psychology at New Era University. For 4 years, she grew to love the program, immersing herself not only in theories and textbooks, but in a purpose deeper than academic achievements: to understand, to care, and to serve. It was through her college journey that her passion for mental health advocacy took root, and she realized that even small acts of empathy could create change.

Before graduating, Yanelle had already set her sights on taking the Psychometrician Licensure Examination immediately after finishing her degree. Gradually, she reviewed her topics even before her last semester in college ended, preparing herself for the challenge ahead. When the official review season began, she focused more on refreshing what she had already learned rather than starting from scratch.

“I made sure that every day, meron akong mababasa, meron akong maaaral,” she said in an interview with Hudyat.

She emphasized that the key is to be consistent—whether it meant reading a single page or finishing five chapters, what matters the most was progress.

But of course, not everything came easy. Yanelle’s journey was also marked by moments that tested her capacity to cope and adapt. After graduation, she began working to help in their family’s finances while preparing for her upcoming exam. For her, balancing both review and work was the greatest challenge she had during her preparation.

There were days when doubts and overthinking started to creep in—moments when she questioned her ability and wondered if she was already falling behind her review mates. But to ensure that her mind was clear and focused, she bravely dismissed these negativities and reminded herself that trusting her own capabilities was just as crucial as studying. Through this, she learned the value of believing in herself.

“So, I just had to really believe in myself na ‘kaya ko ‘to’,” she said with passion as she recalled her review days.

She also reminisced about her support system—her parents, who continuously reassured her that she could do it, and her friends, who believed in her even during moments when she doubted herself. Above all, she placed her faith in God, firmly believing that He would guide her throughout the journey.

For Yanelle, this milestone in her life is dedicated to her parents—her main motivation, for their unwavering love and sacrifices to ensure that their daughter reached her dreams.

“Ever since I started studying, until my review season, they are always, always, there for me,” she said.

On October 2, 2025, she received the greatest news of her RPm journey. She hadn’t even anticipated topping the boards—she was already grateful just to see her name among the list of passers.

“Sobrang hirap paniwalaan like, ‘ako ba talaga ‘yun’?” she joked as she recalled her initial reaction upon knowing that she topped the board exam.

With congratulatory messages and posters flooding in from the university, her friends, and her family, Yanelle felt the same love and support she received since day one of her preparation. With deep gratitude and humility, she thanked all those who never stopped believing in her.

And now that she is a full-fledged psychometrician, it is her time to believe in the next generation—the aspiring voices for mental health.

“Believe in yourself,” she said, as a message to students who are now sojourning through their own college life.

From a student who once sat surrounded by reviewers and dreams, Yanelle has now become a symbol of perseverance and purpose. Her RPm journey reminds us that success is not defined solely by marks or recognition, but how we use our capabilities to serve others. For Yanelle, planting the seeds of effort and faith will always bear fruit—and it is important to trust in the seeds we sow.