Kristine Joe Azarcon Danan rejoices with her parents and sister during her graduation at the New Era University in March 2013. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—A graduate of the New Era University who topped the 2013 nurse licensure examination is sharing this formula for success: “When you dream, dream big.”
Kristine Joie Azarcon Danan, fulfilled this promise last Wednesday by topping the 2013 nurse licensure examinations, besting 35, 475 examinees nationwide.
“It was really my goal to be in the top ten. But to be number one, it was an added blessing,” Danan said.
A magna cum laude graduate of the New Era University in Quezon City, Danan obtained an average rating of 86.20 in the December 7 to 8, 2013 examination.
Danan said she first heard the news Wednesday afternoon when her friends started to bombard her with congratulatory messages through phone calls and text messages.
“I was at first in disbelief when I heard the news. I was on a bus and I don’t have any access to the Internet. But my father suddenly called and told me, I’m proud of you, confirming that I indeed topped the board examination,” Danan said noting she and her father burst into tears.
“When I arrived home, I was excited to break the news to my mother who is working in Canada. I was eager to tell her that all her sacrifices working abroad paid off,” she said.
The 21-year old registered nurse shared her formula to success.
She said her achievement is a mixture of faith, determination, and time management.
“After graduation, I allotted my time to focus on reviewing. I set myself topics to review for a certain week and if I achieved those goals, I reward myself,” she added.
For Danan, she believed she made the right decision to take up nursing at New Era University.
“Nursing is my passion and aside from providing me with quality education, New Era University also prepared me spiritually,” she said.
Danan plans to start looking for a job after her feat.
“I want to start working so I could give back to the efforts and sacrifices of my parents,” she said recognizing her parents demanding job abroad.
The second of three siblings, Danan said she also intends to pursue medicine or postgraduate studies in nursing.
“I really wanted to become a nurse and now that I am a registered one, I want to further my skills. It’s a matter of effort and sacrifice to achieve your dreams in life and it’s all worth it,” she said.
Danan thanked her parents for her success.
“I dedicate this to my parents who worked hard abroad to provide us with our needs. I thank them for their sacrifices,” she said.
She also acknowledged her alma mater, the New Era University, for supporting her, for always providing its students with quality education, and for producing God-fearing students.
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