There came a week before the opening of classes in June 2003. I was able to talk to the Dean of the College of Medicine of Southwestern University regarding my admission to the college. She welcomed me with words of encouragement and told me not to quit later on as most students in the past did. I was formally enrolled now at the College of Medicine. I belonged to Section A where majority of my classmates were University scholars. It scared me, it was hard to live up with the expectations of others. They thought I have a brain of a genius since I graduated from the University of the Philippines. But they did not know that I was just an ordinary student then.
It was first day of school, I felt awkward with my self. I felt I had lots of butterflies in my stomach. There were 60 students in our class and I've seen no familiar faces. They were all strangers to me. I was waiting in the lobby for my next class orientation when a guy name James approached me and formally introduced himself. He was one of the University scholars of our batch. Then two other guys joined us, Jeffrey and Eugene. Then came two ladies, Joan and Quina joined our group too. That was the start of our wonderful friendship. They became my constant companions in school. They were also my group mates in Anatomy class and my study buddies as well.
My life as a freshman medical student was kinda fun. It was easy for me to adjust to hectic schedules because of my friends. We shared our ups and downs, we made each difficult subjects a bit easier by sharing and studying together. We held on to our dreams even if it was really hard, even if it was just a matter of you will pass or fail. It was akin to the survival of the fittest. Those who can not stand with the pressures and hardships in studying medicine will eventually dropped off from class. And I was lucky I passed in all my subjects satisfactorily or should I say I deserved to pass because I worked hard for it, and of course with the guidance of Our Almighty God.
It was first day of school, I felt awkward with my self. I felt I had lots of butterflies in my stomach. There were 60 students in our class and I've seen no familiar faces. They were all strangers to me. I was waiting in the lobby for my next class orientation when a guy name James approached me and formally introduced himself. He was one of the University scholars of our batch. Then two other guys joined us, Jeffrey and Eugene. Then came two ladies, Joan and Quina joined our group too. That was the start of our wonderful friendship. They became my constant companions in school. They were also my group mates in Anatomy class and my study buddies as well.
My life as a freshman medical student was kinda fun. It was easy for me to adjust to hectic schedules because of my friends. We shared our ups and downs, we made each difficult subjects a bit easier by sharing and studying together. We held on to our dreams even if it was really hard, even if it was just a matter of you will pass or fail. It was akin to the survival of the fittest. Those who can not stand with the pressures and hardships in studying medicine will eventually dropped off from class. And I was lucky I passed in all my subjects satisfactorily or should I say I deserved to pass because I worked hard for it, and of course with the guidance of Our Almighty God.
SOPHOMORE ON THE ROCKS
It was the first day of school of my second year in medicine. I already knew everybody in the class except for three students. They were transferee from other school. That time I felt so alone. Sad to say my friends did not make it to second year. Two of my friends transferred to other schools somewhere in Manila. One took up nursing, the other two eventually lost interest in studying medicine. It was only me and James in the same class again. I never thought my sophomore year would be in gloom. James found another circle of friends and so did I. But my friends this time were totally different from my friends when I was in first year. Sometimes I had a hard time conveying with them. Time came that I was no longer inspired to study. My sophomore year became woeful. Worst was my Mom's business went down, the whole world's economy started to flounder. We need to tightened our belt and went away with luxurious way of living. Our greatest problem was to where to get money to support my studies. Our financial resources was running out.
Out of distressed, I contemplated to drop off from school even if my parents did not tell me to do so. Even if we have financial difficulties my parents still wanted me to finish my studies. My parents had no idea that I already lost interest in going to school. Then I was thinking to enroll in a care giving school, since caregivers were in demand abroad at that time. To no avail, the Administrator of the care-giving school did not accept me. He told me to go back to medical school and be a good Doctor later. He told me he believed in my potential that in the near future I will become a successful Physician of my time. After our conversation, I hurried back to my dormitory with a lot of things rushing in my mind." Maybe the Administrator was right, maybe it was already written in the stars that someday I will become a Doctor." I murmured to myself. I was being enlightened and from then on, I was determined to finish my studies. I was then ready to face life's challenges again.
Out of distressed, I contemplated to drop off from school even if my parents did not tell me to do so. Even if we have financial difficulties my parents still wanted me to finish my studies. My parents had no idea that I already lost interest in going to school. Then I was thinking to enroll in a care giving school, since caregivers were in demand abroad at that time. To no avail, the Administrator of the care-giving school did not accept me. He told me to go back to medical school and be a good Doctor later. He told me he believed in my potential that in the near future I will become a successful Physician of my time. After our conversation, I hurried back to my dormitory with a lot of things rushing in my mind." Maybe the Administrator was right, maybe it was already written in the stars that someday I will become a Doctor." I murmured to myself. I was being enlightened and from then on, I was determined to finish my studies. I was then ready to face life's challenges again.
REACHING OUT A STAR
Days went by so quickly that I didn't even noticed it. It was already the 25th day of April 2007 when we had our final graduation rehearsal at Waterfront Hotel. And on the 26th day was our most awaited commencement exercises. With great pride I climbed up to the stage as my name was called to get my diploma with the degree of "Doctor of Medicine". I made It! Years of burning the midnight oil and the sleepless nights were all worth it. It was like reaching out a star, a journey full of uncertainties. I thanked God for being with me in my journey in this winding road of success. I lifted up everything to Him my failures and success in life. I thanked Him for giving me enough strength to face each challenges of becoming a doctor. And my secrets in fulfilling my dream? Simply determination, a happy heart coupled with humility, and mostly perseverance. I realized that after all, I did not missed half of my life studying medicine because it was indeed fun all throughout.
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