Resiliency and determination coupled with strong faith to God Almighty made a 24-year-old Eden Joyce C. Carreon of Palacian, Aglipay, Quirino as National Level Top 6 performer during the recent Board Examination for Midwifery. She is a daughter of a backhoe operator and plain housewife with five (5) siblings whom she is the eldest. Being the eldest child, her other siblings gave her high regards and expectations which inspired her to attain something worthy for the family. Carreon’s life as a student is a manifestation of resiliency, determination and faith; that everything is in placed according to the will and plans of God.

Carreon’s road to the top wasn’t a bed of roses. Just like other students, she was confused on what program to take until she had decided to take BS Biology. But everything changed when the world faced tremendous phenomenon called COVID in the year 2020. Her struggles were doubled which led her to step down from BS Biology to Diploma in Midwifery at Quirino State University-Cabarroguis campus. Her decision to transfer was due to distance and financial struggle.

At the midst of her study, she experienced to be a working student in order to augment her needs in school. She needed to triple her time and effort since she chose to work as a staff at Philippine Statistics Office (PSA) of Quirino Sub-Office, as a Jollibee crew at Maddela branch and as a staff at HM Maternity and Birthing Clinic. But due to time constraint for her study, she made one of the most difficult decisions in her life. Her physical and mental well-being seemed overwhelming that caused her to resign from her jobs. As days go on, her desire to finish her study surmounted the challenges of her life until the Southern Isabela Medical Center (SIMC) of Santiago City opened their door and gave her a chance to work with them while attending her Online Review in preparation of Board Examination in Midwifery.

Moreover, working with different jobs at a time while studying was no easy task. These circumstances of life may sometimes weakened her hope and desire for changes and development but through God’s intercession kept her optimistic, sturdy and steadfast to combat failures and disappointment. As such, realization came; that all things are according to God’s will and plan. All the obstacles, struggles and downs of life brought empowerment to slowly pick her pieces, and moved toward the realization of her academic endeavor.

Alas, the day had come! Carreon’s resiliency, determination and faith paid off when the Midwifery Board Examination result came out. She made a remarkable performance being National Top 6. Enormously, she brought glory and honor to her Alma Mater – Quirino State University.

“This accomplishment will never be achieved and realized without the help of QSU Administration, Faculty and Staff, my family and relatives, friends, and most of all to God. I bring back all the praises, glory and honor to God Almighty”, Carreon said. Furthermore, she said, “I never imagined myself to be Top 6 during our board examination. It was unexpected, but I believe these things happened for reasons”. Her resiliency, determination and faith brought limelight to her life and to the whole QSU Family.

Carreon’s life story may serve inspiration to everyone who faces ups and downs. Her accomplishment proves that, “Poverty is not a hindrance to success” so long if one has the determination and will power to prove his worth as individual citizen. From a timid yet optimistic lady, she is now a living testimony of resiliency, determination and faith. Despite the adversities of life, all is well when everything will be offered to God including our happiness, plans and problems. All we need is to Trust the Process because He knows more than us!

Article: Assoc. Prof. Sherill G. Dumaga
Layout: QIO