At first, I was just writing to cope — putting my thoughts into blog entries, hoping someone out there might feel a little less alone. I called the series Overcoming the Odds, and it followed the story of how I tried, failed, froze, tried again, and eventually passed the Philippine Physician Licensure Exam.

But along the way, I realized I was holding back. There were more moments I wanted to include, more reflections that wouldn’t fit in a blog post. So I gave myself permission to open the story wider — and this eBook was born.

What the Book Is About

When You Think You Can’t is not a story of perfect study hacks or overnight success. It’s a story of:

• Delays that felt like defeat
• Burnout that nearly ended everything
• Superstitions that held me together when logic couldn’t
• Rituals like red boxers and semicolon necklaces
• A wife who believed in me even when I didn’t

This is a survival story — not just for exams, but for the self.

I’m sharing it not because I passed,
but because I almost didn’t.
And I think that matters.

Where to Read or Download

You can read or download the ebook for free or with a minimal fee at any of the following:

• Ko-fi (PDF, free or pay-what-you-want):
  Download via Ko-fi
• Amazon Kindle (KDP):
• Kobo (ePub + available to libraries via OverDrive):
• Other ebook platforms (Apple Books, B&N, etc.):

How to Support or Give Feedback

If this story helped you — even just a line, a sigh, or a tear — I’d love to hear from you. You can:

• Leave a message or comment on my Ko-fi page
• Share the book with a friend or med student who might need it
• Tag me on Twitter/X or Instagram (@ianleoj)
• Send a quiet email or DM — I read them all
• Or just keep going with your own story. That’s more than enough.

If you want to help me continue writing and sharing more stories like this, tips or donations on Ko-fi are deeply appreciated. But honestly, your presence here already means so much.

Why I’m Sharing This

Because someone out there needs it — the way I once needed a story like this and couldn’t find one.

Because not everyone who struggles is lazy or weak.

Because behind every success photo is a quiet, shaky, unseen climb.

And because maybe… maybe you’re in that place now. The one where you’re not sure if you can keep going.

This book is for you.

You’re not behind.
You’re becoming.
And you don’t have to do it alone.

Thank you for reading.
Thank you for staying.

— Ian
Download the free eBook