Heightened reflections

What are you most grateful for? I had to ask myself this question after I found myself at risk of harboring extremely negative thoughts, largely from being exposed to the impeachment proceedings. My quick answer: aside from the family I was born into, it’s being in a profession that not only enables me to believe in my self-worth and gives me everyday opportunities to help affirm others, but has also been an avenue that has enriched my sense of purpose.

#Stepup. One of the many things that always lifts my spirits, no matter how tough the day has been, is a chance encounter with two people whom I have personally witnessed rise from the ranks. From being temporary employees, they are now plantilla holders in the hospital, which affords them security of tenure and the receipt of benefits like social security, clothing allowances, paid leave, and regular bonuses. They were initially part of a company that provided janitorial services and were assigned to our unit. That is how they became integrated into our circle. From them, I have witnessed firsthand how patience, perseverance, and love for one’s job can ultimately pave the way for personal advancement.

I was fortunate to be one of their “chosen ones”—one of the first to know they had applied for a permanent position, and one of the first to hear the good news that they had been accepted as nursing aides. There is something so personal about sharing one’s dreams and ambitions, and while this may not seem like a big thing to some, it always will be to me. While I did not have a direct hand in how and where they are now, they always make me feel that I did, through their words and their actions every time we cross paths. Seeing how their confidence has grown—from the way they carry themselves to their wider smiles and brighter demeanor—is a source of happiness.

#Futuredoctor. The message read, “Doctor, do you have clinic this Saturday? I would like to bring my children for consult.” Replying in the affirmative, I assumed it was for a well-visit and, since school was about to start, would involve the issuance of medical certificates. To my pleasant surprise, I learned that what prompted the trip was that her only daughter had requested a chance to speak with me. In her younger years, she had expressed interest in becoming a doctor. Her mother excitedly shared that she had been accepted to top universities, but the fees were prohibitive, and they had come to seek my advice. We sat down to explore their options and came up with a plan.

Just last week, a sibling of hers came in for a scheduled flu shot. In our conversation, her mother shared that her daughter is now in their home province, in the school we had chosen, and that classes were set to start in August.

#Kindwords. The sweetest rewards from having a column are the kind words I get to receive. My sibling always tells me it takes effort to send an email just to let someone know that they appreciate what you wrote. Among colleagues, some have physically gone out of their way to let me know how thankful they are that, on a regular basis, I get to share part of who we are, what we do, and the challenges of our profession. These moments never fail to overwhelm, and are sometimes awkward for both the giver and the recipient when we both get misty. How can you even begin to explain the feeling of having done something right in your own little way?

Last night, I came across Kara David-Cancio’s commencement speech at the University of the Philippines in Cebu. Watching and listening to her made me more introspective and helped set the tone for this week’s column. Part of her moving speech was when she told the graduates how fortunate they were to have been blessed with a good education, and hopefully asked them not to forget that many Filipinos are not as lucky, with many having to work just to be able to study. She appealed to them to use their excellence and intelligence to be of service to others, in order to uplift the nation. In that way, no one gets left behind—because no one should be left behind.

While this appeal was addressed to the graduating class—the youth who will be this country’s lifeblood in the future—may it also be heard by the majority and serve as a form of reawakening for each and every one of us: especially those who are in positions of influence and have the capacity for a wider reach, or who have fallen into a state of indifference for the sake of self-preservation.