For almost three years, John Michael Bundalian Amio spent his nights answering customer calls and resolving concerns, while his days were filled with classes, side jobs, and an unwavering dream of excelling in criminology. Balancing work and studies was never easy, but he stayed focused on his goal despite the physical and mental exhaustion that came with his daily routine.
His journey was marked by early setbacks. While still in Grade 12, John Michael initially aspired to enter the Philippine Military Academy, but he did not make the cut. He later tried his luck at the Philippine National Police Academy, only to miss the entrance examination after getting lost on the way. Instead of giving up, these experiences strengthened his resolve to pursue his dreams through a different path.
That perseverance bore fruit on March 7, 2025, when the 23-year-old from Barangay Babo Sacan, Porac, Pampanga, emerged as the topnotcher of the February 2025 Criminology Licensure Exam. He earned an impressive rating of 92.20 percent, leading more than 22,000 successful examinees nationwide and proving that determination can triumph over adversity.
In an interview, John Michael shared that he initially thought the news was a prank. When he finally saw the official list, he and his friends celebrated without restraint, overwhelmed by joy and disbelief. His achievement also brought his girlfriend to tears, moved by the long and difficult journey that led to his success.
While preparing for the board exam, John Michael worked as a call center agent, took on event coordination gigs, and even labored as a construction worker. He admitted that this period was one he would not want to relive, as fatigue often caused him to arrive late to class or fall asleep during lectures. Still, he remained thankful to his professors and faculty members, who showed understanding after learning about his situation as a working student.
Coming from a modest background, John Michael never hid the reality of his circumstances. His parents run a small sari-sari store, which helped support him and his siblings. Rather than seeing this as a limitation, he treated it as motivation to work harder and push beyond his comfort zone.
Reflecting on his journey, John Michael shared a message he hopes others will carry with them: never allow circumstances to define one’s potential. For aspiring professionals and future board examinees, his advice is simple but powerful—if you believe you have the potential, you must be willing to work relentlessly for it.
Congratulations, John Michael! Your story is a testament to grit, perseverance, and the power of believing in oneself.
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