I have never been more proud of myself than I am now. School hasn’t quite been a walk in the park. But, I’m not writing to talk about the ‘could have’s,’ ‘should have’s’ and ‘would have’s’; instead, a pat on the back for the far that I have come as a student and a preparation for what is coming is my focus because that’s what matters. Seeing myself graduate today is an achievement, not only to me and my parents, who have sacrificed a lot to see their son achieve greater heights, and to my siblings who look up to me since I am the eldest, I have set the pace for you to emulate. My skills and knowledge had grown tremendously compared to when I joined as a fresh, naïve student who only knew how to administer essential first aid skills to a qualified nurse who can help in minor surgery procedures. I have always wanted a challenging, exciting career and focuses on people’s well-being, and in nursing, I have been able to achieve all these. Everyone goes for a career with a high job demand in the market field, but this was not my number one inspiration when I joined the area. It is more of a calling to serve than to be filled, which has been my motivating factor.
Every finish line is the beginning of a new race. As I prepare to take my NCLEX exam, I focused on achieving my goal and commencing my first job as a baccalaureate-prepared nurse direct and indirect care to patients and being their advocates and educators. There is always light at the end of the tunnel, it has been an easy one, but through perseverance, commitment, and hard work, I am allowed to pat my back for a job well done. In addition to that, this graduation is just a stepping stone and way opener. I am not yet there, only achieved half of what I intend to. Any latency will bring on board a downfall, something I am not willing to risk at this moment. I want to be a nurse every patient wants to relate with, giving hope and a sense of restoration even by staring at my face. My patients’ well-being will always be my priority.