Weekends are sacred. They should be celebrated and be never desecrated. And they were, up until I entered college and especially now that I am a couple of months away from graduation.
So for four Saturdays, I had to show up in school for integrating seminars because they are counted as class hours. I pretty much feel obligated most of the times although some topics are interesting. Of course, being a student, there are moments when I doze off in the middle of the lecture of the guest speaker. But there are times that grabs my consciousness.
Yesterday, as one of the speakers was delivering her speech about developing personal roadmaps, I was able to remember some key points.
Make the time. Make things happen.
Decision vs. choice: You can always decide but not all your decisions are your choice.
A system exists. There are stages to success. Use strategic thinking.
Learn to package yourself.
Turn passion into action.
I am not gonna say I am a totally changed person upon hearing those words. Things take time, there are stages as mentioned above. Honestly, I already know those things she mentioned. It’s just that, there are times when I feel like I have to be reminded by someone else to comprehend its significance in life.
It might be a little bit late but it is still the first month of the new year. 2013 began a little bit differently than the previous ones had. Well for starters, I spent the New Year’s Eve alone. Yup, my family was in the province and I was stuck in the city. As the clock was ticking away from 2012, my mind went in a quick playback.
I was enjoying the midnight dinner back home. Then afterwards, my brothers had fun with firecrackers. Waking up the next day, reality crept back and I had to return to the city. I thought to myself, this would be the year that I would become a senior. As exciting as it sounds, ruling the halls, it was dreading. Gladly, I was distracted with all the requirements and school works.
June 2012. After finalizing the final revisions of my thesis, I was officially enrolled as a senior. It was different, not the halls but the feeling. I remembered walking around, not knowing anybody from the higher batch and being shy around them. Now, I was looking at the freshmen, wondering if they felt the same way I did. It felt great that some people looked up to you and considered your advise because you, obviously, have the upper hand or should I say the “background knowledge”. And I turned 19. Then things got a little more serious as we officially started prepping for the board exams with Saturday review sessions.
November 2012. Second semester rolled in. I recalled picturing myself being in the last semester of college and I laughed it off because I was just starting college then. I can’t seem to laugh anymore because it’s already a reality. Seems like I was rushing something because it felt like I was running out of time. I’m not sure what kind of stress and how much I had because my monthly cycle skipped — for 2 months. But what really surprised me and my friends was my sudden decreasing appetite. It was highly unusual because I love food more than anything, besides from actually eating of course. Some were concerned as to why I was that way. I came to understand that for the first time ever, I was dreading the Holidays. It was because we were already told that we would be spending them on duty in the hospital. It sucks because I already know that I won’t always be spending Christmas and New Year with my family because sometime I’ll have to work and we’ll start our own families, but I didn’t expect it to happen now for two particular reasons: 1) I’m still studying, and a dependent of my mom, and 2) I don’t even have a boyfriend for crying out loud!
Anyways, life has given me a chance to go home for Christmas even for just 2 days. But for the New Year, I had to remain in the city. I wouldn’t say it was the worst. It was actually quite refreshing having the time to yourself on a once-in-a-year event. (As I type this, I swear I am not anti-social.) I was able to do some thinking.
This is my year. I had a list in my mind of the things I want to do, achieve, and experience. But one thing stood out.
Okay it has been a looong time since the last entry I made. It is not that I don’t have the time, though that can be a case at times, but most of all I get distracted in what I will write about. I can get sidetracked easily. Anyways, today I am finally making a step to not be. Starting with this post.
In-between the school, I can’t find anything else to blame. Being a senior and graduation in less than a year, I am thrilled and at the same have tons of work to do. We have all these requirements we need to accomplish (who doesn’t want to graduate on time after 4 grueling years of college??) Also, the pressure is definitely on.
Every single one of our faculty, our dean, and most especially our batch adviser is on to make us all pass and achieve a 100% passing rate in the upcoming July 2013 Nursing Licensure Exams (NLE). Yes, and did I mention our batch name is “Achievers 2013″? Also, our school recently became the first and only Level IV Accredited Nursing School in the entire Philippines. All eyes definitely on us. And so they devised early review program for all of us to attend. It happens every Saturday, 8-4pm.
Don’t get me wrong, I do want a 100% passing rate next to our batch name and place our esteemed school back to its former glory. See, my school, UERMMMCI, is known to produce able and competent nurses, and always be in the top performing nursing schools in the country. I’m not sure what happened along the way that slowly, the school somehow slipped out of the top ten performing schools in the last 3 years. Thus, everyone is eager to see our Alma Mater on top again.
This is a purely a matter of personal opinion but as of now, I am not confident of getting that 100%. I know it’s probably premature to say something like that but who knows what could happen in the next months to come? And just so everyone is aware, I am not assuming I will pass the exam because the academic standing in college is not an assurance of passing the board exams. I have seen people with that case. We have been told the board exams is not for the faint-hearted.
So for now, I’ll just mind my own and study my ass off. Lezzgetion!!
Our review class that started last Saturday in our University Auditorium from 8-5pm
Ah, Senior Year. As what our adviser had said to us, it is terminal. It is the final station in college. It is within this time when you find out if you are bound for graduation, and hopefully for the Licensure Board Exam. It is a reality, I have my registration card and official receipt to prove I am officially enrolled in the 4th year 1st semester.
I remember having the same feeling when I was a senior in high school. “Parang kahapon lang na nahihiya-hiya akong first year.” (Seems like it was yesterday that I was a shy first year.) The third installment of the High School Musical came out on the same year and I recalled myself singing to the songs from the heart because it pretty much described my situation then. I remember being afraid of college which is a part of a much bigger uncertain concept called “future”. I thought that when I finish college it would become certain. Turns out, you still dread the very same thing. Definitely deja vu.
The weird part is that I constantly, and sometimes busily, plan for the future. Yet I don’t realize that the future begins and ends with each moment passed. Ah, life. Definitely not made easy.
No one can never be really ready for life, bu with God leading me every step of the way, though I may be doubtful at some point, I can say I am ready.
So whatever it is, BRING IT ON!!
P.S. May I just share the stages I go through when there are requirements in school.
Whenever we go for family trips when I was younger, I would stay up and awake to see the places we pass by, to witness the transition between the green fields and seemingly endless mountains and, the bustling activity of the towns and cities we pass through. But mostly, I enjoyed the conversations, especially with my dad. Being on the road, topics are endless, from corny jokes to witty ones, to embarrassing encounters, to unforgettable moments, to words of wisdom (which were mostly of no use then but are invaluable now). My dad always said that when going to a new or unfamiliar place, it is important to have a landmark for obvious reasons, hence the name. During one trip to the city, I proudly told him that I have developed a system of landmarks, and it consisted of giant and attractive billboards. Of course he corrected me and said that billboards are not as constant as it is with buildings, streets, and stores.
The single most essential thing a person needs to know when living in the city is how to commute. That’s what they told me during my first year of college, and it stuck with me. Everyone in my family reminded me always to be careful on the road to school and back home. You never know what kind of danger lurks behind. The “Don’t talk to strangers” rule is very important. However, I realized it is more important to blend in and avoid attracting unnecessary attention to yourself. Three years have passed since then and I’ve developed a principle: A commuter knows how to be independent.
Taking the public transportation is sort of a rite of passage which everyone should experience. It is also a battleground as you tend to compete with other commuters to get to the ride of your choice. Encounters with all types of people, with either good or bad intentions, exercises your manners. The progress of roadworks and/or the changes in a building makes you be more observant. Exploring and taking on an adventure breaks the monotony of your routine. Merging all your landmarks into one giant map in your head is an arduous task but a very fulfilling one, and not to mention knowledgeable and informative. I’m still doing extra precautions, given that I am a girl, especially when commuting at night.
Earlier, I hitched a ride to the bus stop. My friend and I talked about landmarks and he remarked that I have a good memory after recalling one from months ago. Then I started talking about what my dad had told me years before. My friend said I wasn’t like most girls he knew because they usually have a hard time dealing with directions. So therefore, they had to be taken care of. Okay just to be clear, I have nothing against people like that. I am simply one of those who don’t like to bother other people as much as possible. It was the first time someone has complimented me on that very specific thing. Looking back, a part of me is grateful for all the downside of public transportation that made me a little bit independent and self-reliant, just like what my mom told me.
Food enthusiast. Food critic. Foodie. However you may call it, but most of the time, I’m really just hungry.
And so, here is one of my recent adventures brought about by a cumulative craving of “hardworking” students. We went to this night food bazaar called “IL Mercanti“, which means “The Merchants” in Italian. It was located near the parking lot of a mall. There were a lot of stalls, each offering different kind of food: rice meals, burgers, hotdogs, pizzas, pasta, seafood, street food, barbecue, pastries, etc. I could go on and on. For a moment, I was overwhelmed. I was taking everything in slowly. It wasn’t easy because I wanted to order everything but knowing that I ran on a student budget, I knew I had to spend wisely. But nonetheless, my student budget made me full, like I-want-to-rip-all-the-buttons-of-my-uniform-full.
Our appetizer before the big meal drops!
These pizzas are more or less than 2 ft in diameter. Looking at them,
I had a weird feeling that they will eat me, and not the other way around.
The slices were this big and this thick!
Actually, I forgot what were the toppings but this was what I ordered because it was their bestseller. Between that thickness is a meat filling. It tasted sweet before becoming tangy in the end, and it took me three bites to conclude it had some sort of liquor.
All in all, our meals in one snapshot. Too bad, my camera’s screen was not enough to capture the whole thing.
I have calmed down from my previous post. Everyone of us is still human, and error is in our nature. The key is to do something about it. But as I am sitting in front of the TV, seeing the political commercials of candidates bragging about their platforms and “projects” for the greater good of Filipinos, I have a suggestion to politicians and would-be politicians to focus on instead of other unnecessary issues. This would really help a lot of people especially in the city, suffering the daily hassles of public transportation.
Automated Public Transport Ticketing System. Other nearby countries such as Japan and South Korea have the same thing. A reloadable card is valid on all modes of transportation, be it the train, the bus or taxi. Every swipe on each travel automatically deducts the exact fare. No more worries on incomplete change.
I see this totally beneficial because there are some drivers who charge differently from others. And then, there is always that issue when the student and/or senior discount is not given correctly. With this, the ticket bought by the commuter is already indicated if he or she is entitled to that 20% discount.
Also, another benefit of this is that, the computer or the systems counts the accurate number of passengers that fits the size of the vehicle. Based on personal experiences, there are times when you cannot sit decently through the whole jeep ride because some drivers insists there is still space.
I’m not sure when or if this will even be a reality in Metro Manila. But I really believe this is doable. Having a complete set of righteous officials is what’s impossible. Although I’d gladly withdraw that statement if proven otherwise.
Okay just a warning, this post contains rantings. And I don’t really care much because I know that if I don’t write I’ll go mad.
So, national elections are coming up this May. And as much as it annoys me everytime, I can’t do something about the candidates plastering their faces basically everywhere to campaign themselves. They conduct these “goodwill” projects which are really beneficial to people. But the fact that they start doing these projects when the election time is near. It pisses me off how they appear good-looking and intent on “helping” people when they need another term in office. And when the election is over and they get the position, they basically stop these projects or whatever. I really don’t get why.
So, anyways, the local TV channels broadcast a program wherein they gather the big-time candidates, whom in this election are the aspiring senators, and throw each of them in a hot seat where they will answer a question under time pressure to convince the public of their vote.
This one particular female candidate was called and the first question was thrown in. (I’ve put the link below. The video is in Filipino, though.) It was basically about her platform to help the poor people which contradicted an action before when she, and the rest of this Nursing Technical Committee, sided with the rich businessmen owning nursing schools. These 23 nursing schools should be closed because of poor performance. Her answer was really like that of a typical politician. Her answer to the follow-up question was the one that caught my attention, and not in the usual bad way.
“Why is there a continuing decrease in the number of nurses being employed overseas because they are not qualified?” [this is not the most accurate translation, but it mostly goes like this.]
This woman, seeking for the public’s vote answered: “It is not needed for nurses to finish the BSN program because these nurses only want to become a room nurse like in other countries such as in America, they only give care and they don’t need to be that skilled because…” [the buzzer timed and she wasn't able to complete her answer.]
In 3…
2…
1…
I was more than glad the buzzer cut her off. The one who answered the question, whom I respect a lot, had this shocked expression which was pretty much my reaction as well. Everything she’s saying was offensive and insulting (I know these 2 words mean the same but what the hell) Actually, in all honesty, her answer was a total bullshit. Yup, I said that right. What kind of an educated person would say that? Are you fucking kidding me? If that was the case that nurses don’t need to finish the degree program, then why am I, and a lot of other students, struggling in nursing school for four years already? Why do the Professional Regulatory Commission still administer the nursing licensure exams every year? Why are hospitals requiring nurses to be licensed before they are allowed to work and handle patients?
I’m sorry but did you hit yourself hard in the head? I don’t see any reason valid enough for this kind of thinking. She mentioned something about being a room nurse, stating that nurses only want to care for patients and therefore they don’t need to be skilled. Again, BULLSHIT. First of all, I haven’t heard of a room nurse. I think she got nurses confused with caregivers. Now, I don’t mean harm to caregivers. I actually respect them because they do physical jobs and they have to deal with a lot of stress as well. But I think it’s a bit much to make that confusion because as I have mentioned above, nurses have to finish the degree for at least 4 years and pass the licensure exam. The last one she said about “not having to be skilled” is probably the worst thing she said. Wait no, it was the worst thing she said.
It was basically the logic of what she said. Would she, or anyone regardless of anything, want just somebody to take care of her? And by somebody, I mean someone not very familiar with the work. Since I don’t have to be skilled, I guess it’s okay for me to not carry out doctors’ orders, collaborate with the health care team for co-management, administer prescribed drugs, monitor the status, and make necessary reports to doctors. Since I don’t have to be skilled, then I guess it’s okay for me to stop whatever I’m doing when the clock strikes 12 because I have to eat lunch. I guess it’s okay for me to not follow-up the lab results the doctors would want to have to guide them in their diagnosis and treatment plans. Nurses are the firstline in health care, just so she knows. We are the ones patients come in contact with. We are the ones staying with the patients at the wards, monitoring them for doctors. Without skilled nurses, patients would not be having the optimum healing they need to fully recuperate. Without skilled nurses, some patients can die, even under the supervision of the best doctors and specialists in the world. There are some things that only nurses can do. I am not underestimating the doctors or any member of the health care team for each contribute to the general well-being of any patient.
Sure, I may be overreacting because the candidate was given merely half a second to explain herself, talk about time pressure. But c’mon, really? I’m already immune to the flowery speeches of politicians or aspiring politicians, but at least talk with some sense. I already don’t expect these people to be the most righteous people on earth but at least talk with sense.
I am really fuming mad right now. I’m supposed to be studying for my finals tomorrow. Yes, it is my final exam as a nursing student. And somehow, I felt a bit discouraged after hearing her talk. But anyways, that irrational thinking of hers will never be able to deter me to be the best nurse I can be.
Anyways, here is the link of the video. It is in Filipino.
