Tecla Lin & Nelia Laroza Memorial Award

I am a dreamer who grew up in a small town in the Philippines. My grandmother inspired my journey to nursing. In my younger years, I looked after my grandmother with Alzheimer’s. I gave her the love and care she needed that she became a part of my daily life. Sadly, she already passed away, but my love of extending compassionate care and services to others continues.

My journey in studying the bachelors in nursing degree and working as a registered nurse in our country exposed me to the different sides of health care which deepened my passion to help those in need and be the advocate of patients and their families.

A big dream is what I have and living this dream is what I ought to do. I started my journey to Canada as an international student in Ontario wanting to expand my knowledge and seek better opportunities. My first year was full of challenges, I worked different jobs not related in nursing to support my studies. A year later, I moved in Halifax and worked as CCA to process my permanent residency. Currently, I am working as a licensed practical nurse, at the same time, studying the RN Bridging Program in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Having been selected as a CNF scholar is a golden opportunity to reach my big dream of becoming a registered nurse in Canada. I would do my best and enjoy every moment of this journey. I am proud to give back to our community and help people get better with the way I can. To my fellow IENs, keep smiling, stay positive and never give up.