Family and Faith
When I asked Ruth Valerie what influential advice she has received from her elders, it was clear that family and faith play an important role in her life. School was a rollercoaster ride for her, but she recently received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and is currently a professional nurse at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Manila, Philippines. She continues living with gusto every day with bounds of contagious energy.
There’s a reason she likens nursing school to boot camp:
If I were to look back on my nursing school years, I would say that I would NEVER EVER want to go back in time to that period, LIKE EVER! Why? Because it was during those years that I was trained to acquire the “KSA” (Knowledge, Skill, Attitude) and the process stretched me beyond my limits.
I had the longest classes (7am to 6pm) and the longest clinical exposure (16 hours straight of duty in a hot, stinky, bacteria- and virus-infected hospital). On these duty days, we were expected to report to school by 5am on the dot, and since I didn’t want to be late, I did my best to arrive at 4:45am. This was really hard for me because I had to wake up at 4 in the morning though pouring tears (I even made a parody of Gwen Stefani’s song “4 in the Morning”) because, according to my clinical instructors, no excuse was good enough to be late. Aside from being very prompt, we were also checked for: clean white shoes, hair neatly tied up in a bun, short nails, make-up, and complete hospital paraphernalia. Really! It seemed like I was in boot camp all those years!
Despite the long struggle, she made her way through and here’s what she attributes her success to:
My grandfather is a person I really admire and look up to, but my dad has granted me the most valuable advice over the years. My dad always reiterates two things: “seek ways to learn something new each day, and always seek the Lord.” Learning just one thing daily wherever God places you to be at that time can make you grow 365 times yearly! This thought pressures me at times, but I remind myself to take it as a challenge.
I’ve realized that no one is born with a complete package deal…and people become truly successful when they keep on trying. On top of everything, my dad also tells us to walk with the Lord daily. It really is important because I personally find it frustrating and tiring to always plan my life. I really do! It is the Lord’s love, guidance, and promises that make this career path worth it!
Let me just leave you with my favorite verse, Proverbs 16:3 — “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.”
D. T. Gray
“Learning just one thing daily wherever God places you to be at that time can make you grow 365 times yearly!”
I love that. That’s a really good message.
thanks and Godbless!
Samantha Bangayan
Same here! =) Thank YOU for stopping by, DT. =)
Li @ FlashFiction
When I started my current job working with children/teens with severe behavioral problems, I was so overwhelmed that sometimes I would pull over on the way to work and pray for help to get me through the day, and go home in tears at night. Still, I felt as though I was “called” to do the job, and after making it through the first year I found that the job was as rewarding as it is challenging. And, oddly enough…I’ve grown to love it! And that’s a great quote, BTW 🙂
Samantha Bangayan
I had no idea that was your field, Li! I used to volunteer in the child psych unit at the local children’s hospital, so I have the slightest understanding of what you describe. I’m so glad you found the strength to stick it out and I’m so in awe of you. Thanks for continually inspiring me! =)
Ruth Valerie Tan
@ D.T. Gray: Thanks for your a positive comment!:D Indeed, everyday is a gift! Im still a work in progress…:)
@ Li @ FashFiction: are you a SpEd teacher? I’ve always had a burden with children with special needs. I do believe its a challenge to love them..but you are very blessed to be called to do this Job. Ive had my “nights of crying myself to sleep” too. Its ironically amazing that when you give yourself to others, you get that wonderful feeling of real fulfillment in return. Applause for you!!!:D
Roy A. Ackerman, Ph.D., E.A.
That is the issue with old-time medical training. (It is slowly dissipating from style in the States.)
But, the primary reason for long hours during training is to insure that you develop “muscle memory”; so that when you are on your own, you can react with instinct and treat your patients excellently.
Congratulations on joining the sorority/fraternity.
Samantha Bangayan
You know, you’d think that we’d realize that doctors in training need work-life balance as well. But it kind of makes sense now that you mention muscle memory!
Ruth Valerie Tan
Hi Dr. Roy Ackerman! You are funny..:)) yah i almost thought i joined a sorority/fraternity group! But thanks for sharing that fact developing the “muscle memory”. I hope our heart muscles work that way too! So it wont grow faint.. LOL. Be blessed Dr. Roy!
MuMuGB
It sounds like boot camp indeed. I am glad that Ruth Valerie rose up to challenge. I am not sure I would have!
Samantha Bangayan
I know what you mean, Muriel! =) I was on the med school path once and I continue to wonder if I would have been able to. =)
Ruth Valerie Tan
Thanks MuMuGB! its took so much tears if you only knew..:) thanks for the encouragement! All by God’s grace! You are a great person for sure!!!
Lucy
Sounds like a strong lady.
Samantha Bangayan
Indeed! =)
Ruth Valerie Tan
Hey sammy,
its so sweet of you to post this up for me..its really nothing and so simple compared to others who are really writters! im so blessed by you!
Samantha Bangayan
Aww! Thank YOUU, RV! =) We’re all “real” writers, I believe. =) Hope to see you soon!
Ruth Valerie Tan
You are very nice Lucy, Thanks! 2 Corinthians 12:10 🙂
Vinny T.
I can’t say that I’m a religious person, but I do think that family values and the good examples of others have played a crucial role in my individual successes.I’m very thankful for that and feel certain that Ruth Valerie’s Dad had a crucial and a very positive impact on her life as well.
Samantha Bangayan
For sure! Role models continue to influence me for the better and you are definitely one of my role models, Vinny! =) Thanks for being there.
Ruth Valerie Tan
Hello Vinny, thanks for taking the time to read through my humble entry, its so nice to hear your positive comments! Its fine not to be religious..I say, ” be just be real and have the right heart!
Gustavo
Hi Sam,
Great to visit your site after some (too long) time. I like those two ideas very much (seeking to learn something new every day and seeking God). I really believe you can found a great life by following only those principles. But there’s a catch: you can’t learn something new if you don’t free your mind form what you have already learned it is very difficult to find God if you hold on to a preconceived idea of God.
Samantha Bangayan
Great to hear from you, Gustavo! =) I really appreciate your extra tip! Openness is the foundation. So true! =)