Meet Nicolo

“I have never been satisfied.” I can clearly remember that this is the first line of the essay I submitted for my admission to the Master of Arts in Nursing program.

UPCN has been my first choice for my graduate studies. Since I am pursuing excellence, I have always known that UPCN and UP as a whole have proven itself in terms of quality education, as well as in producing nursing leaders worth emulating. And true enough, I was overwhelmed… in a very positive way. I was overwhelmed with how inspiring the people are in here. My professors challenged me to my limits. During the process, egos were crushed, but that’s how we make ourselves stronger – it just depends on how we perceive it. They also inspired me to aspire for more in terms of the present nursing practice here in our country. I can still recall when one professor suddenly asked the class why we took up masters. I uttered “because I have no plans of going abroad, so better aim for professional growth and be an instrument for improving the nursing profession here in the country.” It may sound too noble and good to be true, but do we have other choices? Because the truth is that the future of the nursing profession here in the Philippines lies in the hands of the nurses here in our country.

Now, years have passed and I am still taking my graduate studies. Some may find the process long,  but I am totally loving every step of it.

Still, I am not satisfied. I am still hungry for more, and this is what UPCN has taught me. “Strive for the better, and to never be mediocre.”