With Leaving Cert students across the country marking their achievements today, pupil Rafael Dale, from St Kevin's College in Ballygall in Finglas, Dublin, is also doing just that.
He is celebrating the end of his secondary school education and the fact that he secured top marks - 625 points.
"Ecstatic is an understatement," the 17-year-old said.
He’s currently on a family holiday with his parents in Germany, and says he only got two hours sleep last night in anticipation of the results.
He said they were huddled around the phone screen this morning, when the results went live. "My Mom was about to faint with the excitement," he said.
Rafael said his parents were an important factor in his success.
They moved from the Philippines in the early 2000s and instilled in him a disciplined work ethic.
"When they were studying in schools, they had no WiFi, and went the extra mile to study in libraries, often in sweltering heat," he said. "They are the foundation to my success."
Rafael’s father, Alvin, said the feeling was "indescribable" when the results landed. He said he and his wife, Maria, had a few sleepless nights in the lead up, but said today was "a parent’s dream".
Alvin moved to Ireland in 2003, three years after his wife, who came to work here as a nurse.
Back in the Philippines, Alvin was a lecturer in marine biology and passed on studying tips to his son. "We prepared since first year to get to his level," he said.
In Ireland, Alvin works for a stationery company, laughing as he added that "it's very far from what I was doing".
Eoghan Rooney (pictured below), the principal of St Kevin's, said the school was extremely proud of Rafael and his achievements.
He said it was very important to the school, which has DEIS status, to have Rafael and others do so well in their exams.
"It is evidence that students attending a DEIS school like St Kevin's College can and do realise excellent results. Rafael is a fabulous role model for all the students in our school and, is an inspiration to those working towards their exams in the coming year," he said.
"As a school our students performed exceptionally well, with many boys very happy with their achievements… we encourage all students to reach their potential, today we had boys that have excelled in the LCA programme achieving merits and distinctions to multiple boys achieving over 600 points."
In terms of future plans, Rafael has his sights on Trinity College, and then further afield.
He's hoping to study Chemical Science in TCD, and hopes to work in the pharma industry, but is keen too, to work, someday, in NASA.
His advice for future Leaving Cert students? "Always start at the very beginning, not just the start of sixth year," he said.
"Put your best ability into the work the teachers set for you and if you are open to criticism and improvement, then the burden will be much lighter for you.
"Always start early, so there’s no need to cram. At the same time, my mental health benefitted as the pressure was much more reduced."
He also said, "never be afraid to ask questions. Be curious, be inquisitive."
"When I started school on the first day, I did feel nervous, I felt shy and hesitant, but the staff and the school community were welcoming, and they really helped in providing guidance. I owe a depth of gratitude to the school."
For now though, like so many others, it’s time to celebrate.
