After nearly a decade of pursuing her graduate degree, Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) Master in Psychology graduate Yashina Monika Bueza clinched fourth place in the recent Psychology Licensure Examination (PSLE).

Bueza recalled that her interest in Psychology began when her friends often turned to her for advice and to share their concerns, which was further sparked by a self-reflection game called Kokology.

“I noticed that my friends would often come to me for advice or to simply vent out their problems and concerns… My curiosity grew stronger through the few books I came across. One of them was Kokology, a self-reflection game that presents an explanation about personality,” Bueza said in an interview with Atenews.

Beginning her academic journey as a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology student at the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman, Bueza described herself as a “blank canvas” eager to learn and explore the field of Psychology.

“I was like a ‘blank canvas,’ willing to learn and absorb anything related to psychology,” she shared. 

Driven by her eagerness to learn more, she pursued advanced psychology courses she enjoyed, which helped her discover more about herself while deepening her appreciation for Filipino culture and identity.

“Sikolohiyang Pilipino, or SP, was also at the heart of the department’s psychology program. It taught me to understand psychological concepts through the lens of Filipino culture and experience.”

She took nearly a decade to complete her master’s degree, starting in 2016 and resuming her studies in 2025, after her thesis was disrupted by the pandemic. She completed her Master in Psychology degree in November 2025 while balancing motherhood and family responsibilities. 

“I actually began my master’s journey way back in 2016, but I was not able to continue with my thesis in 2019 due to the limitations brought by the pandemic… I also became quite busy juggling my family responsibilities and my duties as a mother to my four-year-old child.”

Despite facing challenges before the examination, including relocation and family responsibilities, Bueza pushed through and viewed the result as a meaningful experience in her journey.

“I simply wanted to pass the exam and not fail it, and was even anxious because I had not enrolled in a review center. Topping the boards wasn’t even on my bucket list, but somehow, I made it.”

Ending the interview, she encouraged aspiring psychologists to remain open to learning and understanding others while developing compassion and commitment to serving those with limited access to mental health services.

“Carry a mind always willing to learn and a heart always willing to understand,” Bueza stated. 

Overall, AdDU achieved a passing rate of 93.33%, with 14 of 15 examinees passing, exceeding the national average of 87.50% in the recently concluded PSLE in September.