Mark Allen Armenion, 24-year-old who ranked 2nd in the recent Mechanical Engineering board exam, was in fact a market helper or kargador.
Hailing from Warwick Barracks, Carbon Market, Cebu City, Mark’s story is a true tale of perseverance as he faced a series of life’s hardships and emerged victorious.
He said he even thought that he won’t graduate because of all the hardships financially and in the family. He was constantly absent at school and got a failure in elementary and even high school.
He is the youngest of 4 children. His mother Marites Armenion, sells “uling” in Carbon while his father, Rene Armenion, works as a cook for lechon but his parents are separated.
Education Background
Elementary: Mandaue City Central Elementary school (failed in 3rd grade)
High school: Mandaue City Comprehensive national Highschool (Failed in 3rd year)
: Tipolo National High School (Graduate)
Awards:
- Best in math (Highschool)
- National Quiz Champion in PSME Quiz Bowl 2018
- Regional Quiz Champion in PSME Quiz Bowl 2018 & 2019
- CESAFI math quiz bowl champion 2018 & 2019
While still a student in elementary and high school, he was also a market helper or kargador in Carbon so that he could earn a living.
He then attended the University of Cebu – Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue (UC-LM) and was a working student in his 2nd year.
But another trial came by as their house in Mandaue city was demolished which forced them to move back to Carbon. With the change in location, he changed schools as well and attended UC-main.
His family was very supportive no matter how much debt they have already.
And though he was very smart and has good grades, he didn’t get the title of Cum Laude as he was a transferee.
He admitted that he was aiming for the first place in the ME licensure exams and was a little bit disappointed as he prepared for almost 2 years for it.
Armenion ranks 2nd with a score of 95.70 percent while the top 1 from VSU Baybay City had a score of 96.60, which is just a point away.
He was also honest enough to say that the cash incentives given to UC topnotchers were his driving force but his main inspiration was his parents.
“That was my mindset during my college days. Para if incase di nako ma beat, sure jud na mo land ko sa top list. Driving force to nakong premyo sa UC, and akong main inspiration is akoa jud parents,”
Mark Allen Armenion
When there’s a will, there’s a way. It went to show that nothing is impossible. No such thing as impossible dream so long as you did your very best to achieve it no matter the hurdles are. So strong of the motivation, inspiration, dream and pursuit. Congratulations! Highly deserving. Keep the pursuit but stay humble and help the others whenever you can. But most of all don’t forget the Almighty above.
Congratulations to you Engineer,,your such a good example of a poor but deserving students who inspite of your situation in life yet you tried your best to pursue your dreams,,,stay humble always in your achievements…God will reward you with everything in life…Congratulations again and God bless you more on your next journey…..
I have nothing to say, for everything you made to your life, Is what you get now. Am really happy to hear like you for giving us, to make everyone as an inspiration to drive in and to pursue the positive aims in life. Am proud of you and so with your parents. Good luck to the next explore in life. CONGRATS🙏🙏🙏
Very inspirational kuya, Galing mo! Nagpapakita na hindi hadlang ang mahirap na buhay para makamit mo mga pangarap mo, aiming a top 1 is a hardest part but because of your dedication you did in Top 2. Isa kang alamat kuys🤙
I met this guy during my review super down to earth and napaka inspirational he teaches in our dormitory giving all of his knowledge and board exam journey “kulba is your enemey ” ayaw mag kulba maka mental block ingon niya genuine person rooting for this person working in our field of industry
Congratulations!🙏…so happy for your success. Keep up the good work. God bless your next journey in life.
Such an inspiration. You will go a long way. Your parents must be so proud of you. I am!