TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan, Dec. 6 (PIA) - A cum laude graduate of University of Santo Tomas (UST) who hails from Isabela province is one of this year's number 5 nationwide in the recently concluded December 2019 Nursing Licensure Examination (NLE).

Sheline Nisperos Tumaliuan who is from San Pablo, Isabela is an alumnus of the Isabela State University (ISU) Science and Technology High School located in Cabagan Isabela. She graduated with honors [First Honorable Mention].

In her Facebook post during her graduation, she recalled how a 15 year old girl back in 2015 was so afraid to get out of her comfort zone to take a step towards a new chapter of life.

When asked why she took nursing, she said "Kasi nurse din si mama, gusto ko din maging ganon."

"But as time passed by, I always wonder that maybe there's something more. I've always believed that God has a reason why He put me in this field. This has been my driving force to continue what I've started," she added.

"I still remember the time when I'm almost ready to give it all up and just leave everything behind which happened just last year. But then I looked back on the past 3 years that I've already finished. Passing the cutoff, surviving the first ever exposure in the ward, the memorable capping and pinning ceremony, the unforgettable experiences in the delivery room and operating room, the thesis proposal, sleepless nights, cups of coffee, the family gatherings that were sacrificed, and many more. I remembered all of it then I've finally decided to keep going," she further said in a post.

Tumaliuan is very grateful to her parents who would always say to her "wag mo masyadong ipressure sarili mo, kaya mo yan".

"Thank you for your endless love, support, and understanding despite of my "sumpong" moments. Also to my kuya, mommy (lola), daddy (lolo), titos, titas, cousins, and my two pamangkin who cheered for me all throughout the way. To my friends who are miles apart from me but still made me feel loved and supported. To my college friends whom I spent the last 4 years of laughters and tears. To our professors who inspired me to become better everyday," she said.

"Thank you" is not enough to express how much I appreciate all of you. You are all blessings for me. I love you. Above all, to Almighty God who gave me strength and guided me from the start until now," Tumaliuan added.

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) announced that 7,627 passed the board exam out of 13,816 who took the said exam. (MDCT/PIA-2)