A driver’s road to nursing success

“Daghan reason ngano wala nasundan ang akong pag-take sa exam: kay walay kwarta ika-support kay namatay man sab akong Papa; nawad-an sab og gana kay failure man sa first take; tapos kinahanglan na sab mag-work para i-support sa pamilya plus naa sab igsoon nga gaiskwela,” he shared.

(There were many reasons I couldn’t retake the board exam: I didn’t have the money to support myself because my father had passed away; I lost motivation after failing the first time; I had to work to support my family, and I also had a sibling who was still in school.)

In the years that followed, Jose wore many hats: from being a fast food cook, mall “promodiser”, financial agent, cigarette factory worker, and even construction laborer. 

Eventually, he found stable employment as a family driver for the Bautista family, a clan of professionals and businessmen.

While driving for the Bautistas, he continued supporting his wife and three children. Despite the long drives between Butuan and Davao, he studied every free moment he had.

When asked if he ever felt pressure, Jose said he was fortunate to have a supportive employer.

“Dako gud akong plano nga i-practice nako ang akong profession. Karon, nag-wait nalang usa ko sa oathtaking tapos mangaplay dayon ko. Akong plano samtang naghulat ko sa oathtaking ug sa pag-apply magpadayon ko isip usa ka family driver sa usa ka dentist diri sa Butuan. Dako sab akong pasalamat ani nila nga family kay aside sa kauban mi sa Couples For Christ,” he said.

(I really plan to practice my profession. Right now, I’m just waiting for the oath-taking, then I’ll apply for nursing jobs. While waiting, I’ll continue working as a family driver for a dentist here in Butuan. I’m very thankful to this family, aside from the fact that we are members of Couples for Christ together.)

Earlier this month, Jose’s story went viral on social media when his employer, Doctor Marj Bautista, posted a photo of him from the CCTV reviewing for the nursing exam inside their dental clinic.