University of Santo Tomas-Legazpi
The Premier Dominican University of Bicol
The Premier Dominican University of Bicol
For Yvonne Mae C. Cabrera, RPm, placing 8th in the September 2025 Psychometrician Licensure Examination was never part of a grand, carefully mapped-out plan. In fact, she describes herself simply as “an ordinary student doing my best to study and earn decent grades like everyone else.”
Yvonne’s achievement marks another milestone for the University of Santo Tomas–Legazpi’s Psychology program. It can be recalled that in 2023, Ms. Kristine E. Mangampo, RPm also ranked 8th in the Psychometrician Licensure Examination, reflecting the University’s sustained commitment to academic excellence and quality formation in the field of Psychology.
“I often tried to blend in with different people and environments—parang chameleon kumbaga,” Yvonne shared. Psychology was not even her first choice in college. What shaped her college experience most was not a rigid academic blueprint, but people. According to her, meeting people from all walks of life and learning pieces of their stories through conversation became formative for her. She finds it amusing to look back now.
“I was such a shy kid growing up, yet over the years, especially in college, I learned to speak with others more confidently and connect with people in ways I never expected.”
Her decision to pursue Psychology was initially simple: “I actually chose Psychology because I followed where my friends went. I didn’t have a clear plan for my future then, so I simply went where the wind took me.” But over time, she began to understand the deeper meaning behind that choice.
“I found human behavior fascinating in every aspect. It took years for me to grasp psychological concepts, and even after graduating, I know there is still so much to learn. I still have a long way to go—but as they say, malayo pa pero malayo na.”
From academic distinction to professional triumph—cum laude graduate, board topnotcher, and newly licensed psychometrician.
When the results were released and she learned she had placed Top 8, the moment felt unreal. “It was surreal. Everything felt like a dream. And I was extremely overwhelmed amongst other things. I was proud but at the same time I felt a lot of pressure for what’s coming next for me.”
Her challenges during review season were not merely academic. Her biggest hurdle was adjusting her body clock. “My brain works best at night, so my study routine usually ran from 4 PM to 2 AM. But the board exam was from 8 AM to 5 PM, which meant I had to wake up very early.” Adjusting was difficult. “Thankfully, I managed to get at least four hours of sleep before the first day of the exam, though I was still fighting sleepiness in the afternoon. I managed to push through nevertheless.”
A glimpse into her college years: Yvonne with her thesis group and Rev. Fr. Roberto S. Castellano, O.P., LPT, RGC—one of the mentors she credits for guiding her academic journey.
Through it all, her formation at the University of Santo Tomas–Legazpi remained foundational. She proudly shared, “My formation at University of Santo Tomas–Legazpi prepared me academically through training and supportive mentors. Thomasian values of faith and service also kept me grounded and reminded me that this milestone is not just a personal achievement, but a calling to serve others with competence and compassion.”
She expressed deep gratitude to the mentors who walked with her throughout her academic journey. “I am deeply grateful to the CASE faculty members, especially my instructors over the past four years, my academic adviser Ma’am Queenie, Dean Sario, Father Bobby, Sir Vince, and most especially our program chair, Ma’am Let, whose guidance, expertise, and unwavering support helped me achieve this milestone.”
When pressure mounted, she relied on simple but effective coping strategies. “When things became overwhelming, I relied on my adaptive coping strategies. My go-to has always been taking long walks, usually 5 to 10 kilometers whenever I feel stressed.” She also prioritized rest. “I made it a point to rest when I needed to, so during review season, I made sure to get enough sleep and truly recharge.”
Despite her achievement, she remains characteristically humble. Yet what truly moves her is seeing the joy of those who supported her. “Whenever I see the people that I love being happy and proud of me, then it makes me happy also. Besides, I owe this achievement not just for myself, but also for those who believed in me.”
Once Psychology students, now Licensed Psychometricians. Carrying the mark of Thomasian excellence.
As a Legazpi Thomasian Psychometrician, she looks ahead with purpose. With her current capabilities as a Psychometrician, she hopes to engage in psychoeducation and advocacy, especially in communities where mental health literacy is low. Whether in schools, local government units, hospitals, or private practice, she hopes to help normalize conversations about mental health, reduce stigma, and promote early intervention.
For future Thomasian Psychology students preparing for their own licensure examinations, her message is simple yet powerful: “Do it scared. It will get better.” She also reminds them of the role they play in shaping the future. “Always remember that the future of mental health is bright because of us. You are the future of mental health. We are the future of mental health.”
From an “ordinary student” uncertain of her path to one of the country’s top psychometricians, Yvonne Mae C. Cabrera’s loud success is her quiet perseverance, a Thomasian formation, and a courage to move forward — even when the way ahead feels uncertain.