XSVN 2015

Eleven months seemed to be too short for a nursing program. It really is. That's why everything has to be done so quickly and on time that I almost forgot how it feels to have a normal sleep, at night, in a bed. But see, looking back through the days from the moment I finished the comprehensive exam to that very first day I was sitting in a crowded classroom with nothing but uncertainty, clueless of what kind of trouble had I gotten myself into, those eleven months seemed to be such a very long time - a collection of vivid memories, unforgettable experiences, and moments that blemished our lives in different ways.

Within those eleven months, I was able to witness life and its course towards its end. I've experienced witnessing an actual birth, holding a newborn, feeding an infant, playing with a kid, talk to a teenager, assess a sick adult, shower an elderly person, held a dying person's hand, and deliver a corpse to a morgue. There were so much to learn during lectures and clinical rotations, it was up to you to grasp everything you can.

Within those eleven months, I was able to meet and make connections with new people. I've met different kinds of people, each of them with different stories to tell and lessons to share. I was able get to know my teachers and appreciate how their different styles and level of passion contributed to what I have accomplished now. Those strangers in the classroom became friends.

Few months may seem a little bit too short but may also be sufficient enough to build meaningful and lasting friendships. We shared not only the classroom but basically 11 months worth of our lives with one another. We shared stories, notes, test answers, food, coffee, rides, secrets, problems, laughter, smile, and tears. We pushed each other to do our best. We lifted each other when one is down. The whole eleven months of learning will never reach its optimum value without these people.

Within those eleven months, I was tested.

Sleep had become a luxury for me during the whole program. I had to work at night and still be alert for learning during the day. For most days of the week, my car became my closet and my bedroom. Maslow wouldn't be proud of how poorly my physiologic needs were met. Financially, I struggled too - big time. My schedule at work was cut to half when I switched to night shift and I wasn't able to get enough financial aid because of what I earned from last year. I didn't really get how that works but bottomline is I didn't get enough financial aid so I had to pay some parts of my tuition fee out of my own pocket. So having that additional bill to my monthly expenses, I maxed out my credit cards and used up all my savings. It came to the point that I had to borrow money from my family, friends, and co-workers to get by and to settle my balances in school.

More than physically, It was emotionally draining. Having issues aside from the daily dosages of stress from school and work, the whole process was an ultimate test of patience. There were so many things inside to deal with and balance just to keep me sane for the whole time. Miraculously, I found my way back to the arms of God - which is one of the highlights of this whole journey for me. Thanks to this special person who led me to this path.

She was the one who distracted me the most and also the one who pushed me the most. I've found a great partner in her despite our age difference. She's the most talented and most beautiful person I've ever met so far; strong and intelligent; humble yet very confident. Aside from this accomplishment, she's the best gift this year had given me.

Today, one might say "we're finally done!" but no, this is not and shouldn't be the end of the journey for us. We just finished one phase and we should get going with the next one. The dreaming never stops; the hustle never stops. Here's to the wonderful eleven months and to the months and years of new adventures to come!

Hell yeah!