A Private Conversation with Gerard Paul O. Cusi

PHOTO CREDITS: Facebook Grab from Gerard Paul Cusi

Gerard Paul O. Cusi graduated his B.S. Civil Engineering Magna Cum Laude last March 2013. He ranked No. 2 in the recent Civil Engineering Licensure Examination held last November 19 – 21, 2013.

Gerard’s success in the Civil Engineering Licensure Examination has given so much honor and prestige to his Alma Mater, UNO-Recoletos as “Cradle of Excellence.”

In this private conversation with the Tolentine Herald, Gerard shared to us his experience and thoughts about the recent board examination as well as his future career plans.

TH: How does it feel being Top 2 in the Civil Engineering (CE) Board Exam?

Gerard: I’m just happy to make my family proud. My hard work was dedicated to my loved ones in the first place.

TH: What was your first reaction when u knew that you’re Top 2 in the CE Board Exam?

Gerard: I didn't believe it until at least 4 persons told me so. Our internet was slow at that time so we couldn't check ourselves. We simply waited for friends to tell us. I was stunned at first.

TH:  How was your experience of the CE Board Exam?

Gerald: I was disappointed at first. Aside from the tests themselves, I had a great fear of getting fouled out by technicalities. Also, the most difficult exam papers arrived late without any extension in our working time. I never expected that there would be other challenges in addition to the test questions.

TH:  How did you manage to accomplish the exam with all these challenges?

Gerard: Simply what any other examinee would do, take the exam. I was hesitant to pass my answer sheet, and that's why I didn't believe I was Top 2 at first.

TH:  What was the most difficult and easy part of the exam for you?

Gerard: The Licensure Exam had 3 components, namely: Math, Hydraulics, and Structural Engineering. Anyone who took the exam could say the Math and Hydraulics were very easy. Structural Engineering was a different story though. Aside from the late arrival of questionnaires, the difficulty of questions was unexpected. Luckily, I prepared for the worst.

TH: Can you say that your academic training here at UNO-R College of Engineering better prepared you for this board exam challenge?

Gerard: Yes, UNO-R has trained me to cope up with questions of high level difficulty. The review center trained me how to use my time efficiently and greatly improved my speed.

TH: By the way, where did take your review of the CE Board Exam?

Gerard: Gillesania Engineering Review and Training Center (GERTC).

TH: How long was the review?

Gerard:  (It was) 5 and a half months — 3.5 months review, 2 months refresher.

TH: Aside from your academic training and review, what else did you as part of your preparation for the board exam?

Gerard: Prayers, eating sufficiently, physical condition. There were also plenty of people supporting me and boosting my confidence.

TH: Did you go to gym or do physical fitness session?

Gerard: Nah, I simply watched over my health. I didn't need to be fit, just healthy.

TH: What do you think was the greatest factor that made you topped the CE Board Exam?

Gerard: The intense training was given to us by the review center. We took weekly pre-boards, meaning it was like taking the board exam every week for 9 consecutive weeks.

Other major factors include the support I had from loved ones, and my visitation to the church right before the examination.

TH:  Aside from congratulatory messages, did UNO-R offer you anything for this prestige and honor you brought to the institution?

Gerard: Well... not yet. But my instructor said that rewards are usually given on March. So, I’ll have to wait and see.

TH:  Now, that you are a licensed Civil Engineer, what are your plans as of the moment? Did you receive job offerings?

Gerard: Yes, plenty of job offerings.  One is to be instructor of UNO-R, lecturer of GERTC, firms offering me for construction jobs in Tacloban, some as cost estimators, to work in Office as quality control. I can’t name all of them though.

But right now, I’m on my way to becoming an author of an Engineering book.

TH:  Can u share to us also about the book which you will author?

Gerard: It is still highly confidential, sorry. All I can share is that there will be a book in the future. Nothing more.

TH:  Is it an engineering textbook?

Gerard: Yes, a book about engineering.

TH:  Any message that you would like to inspire your fellow UNO-Rians for success…

Gerard: Just take it easy, don't stress yourself. Give it all you have, but never forget there are still other things out there. Don't get pressured. Do it for yourself and for your loved ones, not for others. Every person has the potential to be top, it's up to him to unleash it. Without Him, we are nothing.

TH:  How would you react if someone calls/greets you, Engr. Gerard Cusi?

Gerard: I’d greet him/her back. Good morning/afternoon. I wouldn't decline if he would want to start a conversation. No special reaction probably.

TH: On the lighter side, is Gerard Cusi single and available?

Gerard: Well, I’m not married yet but unavailable.

Proud Parents of Gerard

PHOTO CREDITS: Facebook Grab from Gerard Paul Cusi

 

Gerard's Batchmates/Classmates during Graduation Day 2013

PHOTO CREDITS: Facebook Grab from Gerard Paul Cusi