02/07/2026
๐ซถโจ
๐ ๐๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐บ ๐ ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ป๐ ๐ง๐ผ ๐๐ฒ: ๐๐๐ฃ๐ง ๐ง๐ผ๐ฝ๐ป๐ผ๐๐ฐ๐ต๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐ ๐ฎ๐ฒ๐ฏ๐ฒ๐๐ต ๐ฆ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐ฎ๐ป๐ผ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐๐ฎ๐ถ๐๐ต-๐๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐๐ผ๐๐ฟ๐ป๐ฒ๐
Teaching has long been regarded as the mother of all professions. For Maebeth Kaye Servano, however, it was more than just a careerโit was a calling, even if it was not a path she envisioned for herself.
At 23 years old, Maebeth still finds it surreal that she achieved what many board examinees only dream of: becoming a topnotcher. With a rating of 93.40%, she secured the ninth spot in the Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (LEPT), an honor earned through years of sacrifice, faith, and determination.
Her success was never achieved overnight. It's a shared fulfillment shaped by the support of the people around her, the hardships she endured at a young age, and, above all, her trust in God's plan.
Born and raised in Kidapawan City, North Cotabato, Maebeth learned the weight of responsibility early in life. As the eldest of two siblings, she carried expectations and family burdens from a young age. Her family's struggles became even heavier when they lost their father while she was in the ninth grade.
Grief deepened, and the hardships only grew greater.
With only her mother left to support the family, Maebeth had to learn resilience and compassion. Witnessing her mother's sacrifices became a powerful motivation, inspiring her to strive harder and commit to the pursuit of education.
When she entered college, fears and uncertainties were set aside to chase a dream. This time, she was not alone. Alongside her mother and sibling, her grandparents and relatives became pillars of support, especially her aunt, Mhabell, who helped finance her education throughout college, even during her review period for the board examination.
Yet perhaps the greatest testament to her faith was the degree program she chose.
Maebeth graduated with a Bachelor of Physical Education degree, a path she was once unsure about. The idea of becoming a teacher was not initially what she wanted. But as the years passed, uncertainty turned into purpose, and before she knew it, teaching became a calling she wholeheartedly embraced.
"I slowly realized that teaching is one of the noblest professions because teachers have the ability to touch lives and inspire dreams," she shared.
The simple joys of seeing her students learn, ask questions, and grow ignited a passion within her, eventually leading her to attain the path that had always been destined for her.
Armed with months of preparation and budding from St. Jude Thaddeus Review Center, countless review sessions, and unwavering faith, Maebeth faced the LEPT with determination. Supported by her loved ones and faith, she achieved another historic milestone.
Not only did she become a topnotcher, but she also made history as the first-ever topnotcher from the College of Human Kinetics (CHK) of the University of Southern Mindanao.
Looking back on her achievement, Maebeth can only utter the words, "Thank You, Lord."
For her, the victory was never hers alone. It belonged to every person who stood by her side throughout the journey. More importantly, it served as a testament to God's faithfulness.
For many years, she has carried the words of Philippians 4:13 close to her heart:
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
This verse continually reminded her that her strength came not from herself alone, but from God.
In Maebeth's inspiring story, faith triumphed over fear. It is the same lesson she hopes future teachers and board examinees will carry with them.
"To future LET takers and aspiring teachers, never let your struggles stop you from pursuing your dreams. Keep God at the center, study hard, pray harder, and trust His timing. With God, no dream is impossible, and every sacrifice will one day become a testimony."
Her journey stands as proof that even when the road ahead appears uncertain and every path seems difficult to cross, faith can lead the way forward.
And for Maebeth, it led her exactly where she was meant to be.
โ๏ธ: Cris Cajucom
๐ป: Jemlea Puig
