This married couple recently finished medical school, and they graduated on top of their class.

Khrista and Nicholas Racelis got their degree last July 21, all while being married and having a child to raise. 

They both had their gap years before entering med school -- 8 for Khrista and 9 for Nicholas -- due to lack of resources.

Khrista stated in an interview with ABS-CBN News that she was pressured during those years of not being in school. "Sana andoon pa rin ako, sana kasabay ko sila. May halong inggit na, 'Bakit kaya ako wala pa rin? 'Di pa rin ako makapag-med school.' 'Yung iba graduate na, nakapag-specialize na. Ako, wala pang nasimulan," she said. 

In those gap years, Khrista and Nicholas worked as nurses at the Department of Health. They decided to get married a month before the academic year started. That same month, they resigned from their jobs to focus on their studies.

According to them, "It was a leap of faith."

"Isa siyang leap of faith kasi iniwan namin 'yung trabaho namin na may mataas-taas na sweldo. As in zero, wala kaming trabaho noong pumasok kami sa med school," Khrista said. 

Khrista and Nicholas were scholars of the Department of Health. And while waiting for the results of the scholarship grant, they were asked about what they would do if they did not pass. 

"It's all or nothing kumbaga. Nag-resign na kami sa work so wala na kaming babalikan," she said. 

Two months after getting married, Khrista got pregnant. But this did not stop her from chasing her dreams -- she gave birth the day before her defense for a title proposal.

To her, it was a challenge. "Kakaanak mo lang tapos balik ka na agad sa pag-aaral," she said. 

Khrista also endured self-pity because of pressure in her breastfeeding journey. She lacked milk to breastfeed her child, caused by stress from being a med student. 

Despite it all, the couple proved that they can conquer anything. Khrista graduated as cum laude and class valedictorian, while Nicholas finished in the Top 3. 

"'Yung awards naman 'di ko talaga alam paano ko 'yun nagawa eh," Khrista admitted. "Hindi ko talaga in-expect kasi unang-una ay kung ikukumpara ko 'yung sarili ko sa mga kaklase ko, mas bata sila... Pero siguro ang naging kaibahan lang, since mayroon na akong family, mas naging inspired ako at mas gusto kong ipagpatuloy 'yung nasimulan kong pag-aaral sa med." 

"May goal ka... Saka mas precious sa akin 'yung time. Lagi akong nagmamadali, hinahabol ko 'yung time. Wala akong wine-waste na time para mas may time ako sa family ko," she added. 

To the couple, teamwork made their dream work. As parents to their only son, they make time despite a busy calendar. They also switch schedules to attend to the needs of their child. 

They also encouraged the public to make the most out of their every moment, and not give up on their dreams even if they are put on hold.