THE QUEST!

 Rho Vince Caño Malagueño, RM, RN

Destiny is a product of fate and choice. And my destiny has started to unravel when I choose to enrol at
Bicol University. My passion in science has led me to take up Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Ladderized
Curriculum. Indeed, BSN is one of the toughest courses. It is emotionally, physically, mentally, and
socially draining. But we managed to survive confidently because of the hands-on training and globally-
competitive academic instructions and preparation. I used to be a simple student with a big dream. The
core values of Bicol University that have been inculcated in my soul served as my foundation in pursuing
that dream.

As a student, aside from being molded to become a future professional, we were always reminded to go
beyond mediocrity and be the best in our fields. We took up Midwifery Licensure Examination and
Philippine Nurse Licensure Examination and ended up with flying colors. I landed as the First Placer in
2012 Midwifery Licensure Exam and Seventh Placer in the 2014 Philippine Nurse Licensure Exam. After
graduation and board examination, we faced the real challenge outside the university as we live up to
the expectations of our dear Alma Mater.

Starting as a newbie in the profession is more difficult than what we expect it was. I tried to enter the
academe and became a review lecturer in Midwifery and Nursing, and a part-time faculty of a Nursing
School. I also became the Chief of Academics and Training in a review center and co-produced
successful passers and topnotchers both in Midwifery and Nursing Licensure Exams. While in academe, I
also tried to enter hospital practice as a nurse, afterwhich , I thought of pursuing Medicine and become
a Medical Doctor with the aspiration of serving the marginalized and underserved patients. Currently, I
am now a Third Year Medical Student of Bicol University College of Medicine and a part-time reviewer in
midwifery and nursing.

I am certain that without the guidance from our Alma Mater, we could never have the opportunity to
achieve our career goals. And I am and will always be grateful to Bicol University for providing us that
opportunity. I believe that being a graduate of Bicol University is equivalent to being excellent in one’s
chosen field. We always try to meet that constant challenge of becoming excellent. Indeed, the road to
it is up-hill and thorny, but up ahead is a silver lining that beckons, and we have to get there even
against all odds!