9 Years in USA 🇵🇭

Today marks 9 years of my journey in the U.S. as an immigrant.

This is the first of many photos from my journey to the U.S. as an IEN and immigrant. It was taken in San Francisco nine years ago when I first arrived in the country. I felt overwhelmed with emotion because a dream I carried for almost a decade had finally come true.

I waited nearly ten years through a complex immigration process. There were many moments when I almost gave up on the dream. I questioned whether it would ever happen. But deep inside, I believed that if something is meant for you, it will find its way to you.

I remain deeply grateful for my nursing education and training in the Philippines. That foundation carried me across oceans and opened doors I never imagined possible. The United States gave me the opportunity to grow, contribute, and build a life of purpose through the profession of nursing.

I am deeply grateful that an immigrant like myself was given the opportunity to thrive, grow, and become a productive citizen of this great country. Immigration is one of the many reasons that make America great.

In nine years, I reached many of the goals I once only dreamed about. I earned my doctorate, became a nurse practitioner, bought a home for myself and built a home for my mother back home.

More than the titles or material things, I remain grateful for the opportunity to share my story with authenticity and vulnerability. I use these experiences to mentor and support internationally educated nurses around the world.

The takeaway here is this: There is no perfect path to success. Delays, mistakes, and failures are inevitable. Use each one as a stepping stone that will take you to places you once only dreamed of.