At just 23 years old, Eden Joyce C. Carreon has become a beacon of resilience and determination. Hailing from Palacian, Aglipay, Quirino, Carreon defied numerous challenges on her way to success, recently emerging as a top performer in the Midwifery Licensure Examination, ranking 6th in the country. Her story is one of perseverance, a deep belief in God’s plan, and a relentless commitment to her dreams.

Carreon’s path to midwifery wasn’t a straightforward one. Initially, she wasn’t even considering a career in the medical field. A different future seemed certain for Carreon, who first enrolled in a Bachelor of Science in Biology program, influenced by a close friend. However, life had other plans. The global pandemic brought her academic journey to an abrupt halt, as she struggled with the lack of necessary gadgets for online learning. The disruption left her uncertain, and she made the difficult decision to stop her studies temporarily.

With her dreams on pause, Carreon turned to job hunting. Her determination didn’t waver, though. Not long after, she enrolled in a Diploma in Midwifery course at Quirino State University-Cabarroguis Campus, a decision that would shape her future. The midwifery program felt like a natural continuation of her studies, as it incorporated subjects she had already taken during her Biology degree.

While pursuing her education, Carreon faced the additional challenge of juggling multiple jobs. She worked at Jollibee in Maddela, but the long hours and demanding nature of the job left her struggling to find time for her studies. Yet, she didn’t stop. She applied for a position at the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), and later secured a job at the HM Birthing Clinic. Despite the weight of these commitments, Carreon remained steadfast in her goal. After a while, she made the difficult decision to leave the Birthing Clinic in search of further opportunities, including applying for a position at SIMC, driven by her ambition to grow and improve.

Working three jobs while studying was no easy feat. The physical and emotional strain seemed overwhelming at times, and there were moments when Carreon questioned if she would be able to handle it all. But her belief in God’s will kept her grounded, and she powered through. The sleepless nights, the exhaustion, and the uncertainty all led her to one powerful realization: success was not just about hard work but about trusting in a greater plan.

And her faith paid off. Against all odds, Carreon passed the Midwifery Licensure Examination with flying colors, achieving an unexpected and remarkable Top 6 finish. It was a victory that not only solidified her place among the best in her field but also marked the culmination of years of perseverance, sacrifice, and unwavering faith.

Reflecting on her journey, Carreon describes her success as both humbling and surreal. “This was all God’s will,” she says, with gratitude in her voice. “I never imagined this would happen. It was unexpected, but I believe everything happened for a reason.”

Today, Carreon stands as a living testament to the power of resilience, hard work, and faith. From a small town in Quirino to one of the top midwifery graduates in the country, her story serves as an inspiration to anyone facing adversity. It’s a reminder that no matter how difficult the road may seem, with determination, a positive mindset, and trust in God’s timing, dreams can be turned into reality.

✍️ : Rica May D. Antonino
Lay out: Gener N. Morales

|QIO with University President Hermenegildo F. Samoy, Jr.