Last Wednesday, I had my Oath taking as a naturalized American Citizen of this country after living here for 5 years. And the speaker started his speech saying, “You did it. You finally did it!” And you know what, these two simple phrases awaken that fire in me, and it simply just had me saying to myself, “Oh yeah, I think I actually did it. As a Filipino nurse immigrant, I did it!” And then, he closed his speech saying, “I encourage you. Share your story.”
Today, I’m sharing with you a piece of me, a piece of my story. On a chilly evening on September 6, 2018, I arrived in Missoula, Montana. I remember my 26 year old self with full of dreams and goals as I embarked on a new journey alone in a foreign country 8,000 miles away from home. I left behind everything I have ever known- my family, loved ones, my comfort zone, with just one goal in mind, to pursue my nursing career in a foreign country, to grow as a person and be someone my family and my future self can be proud of.
Forward to this day, five years after, as I was standing on that big arena at the Campbell Center here in Houston, TX with more than a thousand of immigrants swearing their oaths, I found myself reflecting on my journey as a Nurse, as an Immigrant and as a person trying to grow and become somebody that one’s future self can take great pride. It took every ounce of courage and strength of me to face all the challenges the years has brought me both professionally and personally.
My nursing career here in the US has taught me a lot. It taught me my capabilities and limits, strengths and weaknesses. I’ve met amazing people, patients and co-workers. If you listen, everyone has a story to tell and something important to teach you. I found how amazing the journey of nursing is when I was able to always find beauty in the face of adversity. It’s the warmth, comfort and satisfaction that your job brings at that very moment when you are holding your dying 70 year old patient’s hand at 4am while he says “The doctors said they’ve done everything already. It’s okay because I’m ready to go. I’ve done a good life you know. Thank you so much for being here and caring for me.”
So why am I telling you this? Why am I sharing my story? Simple. I want to connect with all of you in a deeper human level. I know every nurse has a story. Let me rephrase that, Every nurse has a NurseStrong story, every nurse has her own nursing journey. Your story, our story has the potential to inspire and motivate others. By sharing our journey, including the obstacles we’ve overcome and the lessons we’ve learned, we may provide encouragement to those facing similar challenges, this can serve as powerful sources of inspiration, showing that resilience and growth are possible even in difficult circumstances.
I envision NurseStrong to not just be an apparel brand but a channel to celebrating nurses, not just their strengths as nurses but also as a person that embraces their weaknesses toward becoming the best versions of themselves. So yes, we want you to share your story, your unique experiences, your strengths and weaknesses just as I have shared mine. Connect with me, connect with us and let’s inspire each other together!
Share your #NurseStrong story with us!
Share it at hello@nursestrong.co and get to inspire someone today!