Nursing board topnotcher gets inspiration from OFW mom

In the sand and heat of Saudi Arabia, a two-year courtship between Marianita Mudlong, a nurse, and Jimmy Danan, a businessman, gave birth to three healthy children. However, when it was time to send them off to school, they chose to have them study in the Philippines.

It turned out to be a wise decision, as their middle child, Kristine Joeie Danan, ended up being a topnotcher in the most recent Nursing Licensure Exam.

“Gusto po ng mga magulang ko na dito kami pag-aralin kasi naniniwala po silang mas magandang mag-aral dito,” Kristine told GMA News Online by phone on Monday, days after the release of the list of Nursing Licensure Exam passers.

Left in the care of five maiden aunts, Danan made sure to make good on her parent's beliefs and studied hard. A valedictorian in both elementary and high school, it was no surprise that she graduated magna cum laude from New Era University.

Mom's advice

But becoming a nurse wasn't even in her plans before college.

“Nung nag-iisip po ako ng pre-med, inisip ko kung magbi-bio[logy] ba ako o psych[ology]. Pinayo sa 'kin ng nanay ko na mag-nurse ako para mag-match kami,” she said.

Constant guidance despite the distance defined her relationship with her parents, who kept in touch with their children through text messages and emails.

However, despite choosing to have their children educated in the country, Marianata and Jimmy decided to continue working in Saudi Arabia to provide for them.

Kristine said their decision resulted in unavoidable moments of doubt when their lack of physical presence affected her.

“Kailangan ko ng advice nila nung teenager ako. May peer pressure, identity crisis... Yung iba, nakukuha agad 'yun, kaya nagpapasalamat na lang ako na may internet para makausap sila,” she said.

Helping children

Whatever comfort their voices or words did not give her, Kristine found it in her five pseudo-moms and friends. A homebody, she said she splits her time between school, her practicum, and church, where she helps children in their worship services.

Her joy in helping children is making her look into a career into pediatrics, though neurosurgery is also a viable avenue for her.

Funding her studies doesn't seem like a bleak prospect, especially since job offers and scholarships are plenty after topping the board.

When asked if she will follow her parents to other countries, Kristine said her family's disposition is her first consideration in whichever action she decides to take.

“Kung mas maganda yung offer abroad, doon ako pupunta para sa pamilya ko. Pero po kung magagawa ko naman dito, eh di dito na,” she said.  — KBK, GMA News