Five years ago, Godofredo D. Bumanglag IV would spend his days and nights at Tom's World, a popular recreation arcade. He was there practically every day when fellow patrons called him 'classmate.' With no books, pens, or laboratories, he turned to coin tokens and gaming machines to find meaning. For Godo, commonly called by his family and friends, escapism defined life, a far cry from the academic pursuits that now define his path. On the 10th of July, he marched through the Sunken Garden, leading 3,109 classmates as valedictorian of the MMSU Class of 2024.

Raised amidst challenges, the young Godo considered himself an average student. "I was never number one," he said. Godo frequently skipped class in high school, earning him the moniker 'Godo syndrome.' He would start the school year on top of his class, only to slip away as months passed. After senior high school, he struggled to decide what college course to take and dropped his college plans altogether. "My mother would say, 'Do not force him to go to college if he doesn't want to," he shared, noting his mother's special affection for him and respect for his choices.

After a period of indecision following senior high school at the Ilocos Norte National High School-Special Program for the Arts, a personal tragedy struck in 2019 with the loss of his mother, his pillar of strength. Overwhelmed by grief, Godo retreated into solitude, finding solace in arcade games as he grappled with the void left by his parents' absence.

"Things became miserable, and everything didn't make sense when my mother passed away," he shared, explaining that it was just a year since his father died. "After losing my mother, it felt like I lost all my sense of existence and all interest in what the future holds. It was my only goal to make her proud, a goal that vanished when she died," he tearfully expressed.

Amidst the clatter of arcade tokens, Godo found fleeting respite from his grief, but it was his mother's voice echoing in memory that eventually guided him toward a new direction. With unwavering support from siblings and friends, he returned to education in 2020, enrolling in Mariano Marcos State University's BA Communication program. His journey was one of personal growth, where he discovered a passion for visual arts and theater communication.

Despite initial doubts and setbacks, including a two-year hiatus, Godo emerged as the valedictorian of the Class of 2024, achieving a remarkable general weighted average of 1.2824, magna cum laude. "I just did my best. I did not aim to be top 1," he said. His transformation from a hesitant student to a freelance photographer, known on social media as "Shot by Four," reflects his newfound purpose and resilience.

Reflecting on his journey, Godo acknowledges the invaluable life lessons imparted by his mother: "Life is not a race." His graduation marks not only academic success but also a tribute to the support of his family, who continued to inspire and uplift him despite their absence on this momentous occasion.

As he looks forward to a future in fashion photography, Godo's story is a shining example of hope and perseverance, reminding us that one can overcome even the greatest adversities with determination and support. For Godo, who was addicted to arcade games a few years back, the real game has just begun.