An essay to
describe oneself is a difficult task; as a person becomes biased of himself and
talks of his strong points and achievements. But it is in pointing out these
strong aspects that one realizes his true potential as an individual and to
what extent he can be of value to others. So let me start of with an
introduction of myself; I am Andrew Peter Patawaran- Calimag, the second child
in a brood of eight, an incoming third year medical student and a true-gold
full-blooded Thomasian. I was practically brought up in the confines of the
institution and am still being nurtured by it. As the years went by that I have
been a student of this tradition I have grown and developed, imbued with the
core values of competence, commitment and compassion.
I am a very
quiet person, who enjoys moments of solitude but still treasures moments with
family and friends. Some of my closest friends would beg to disagree that I’m a
hushed individual; some would even say that I’m the funny man of the group. I
may be your joker but I can be serious when the situation calls for it. I am
pretty much a laid-back type of person who never stresses on the difficulties
life has to offer but finds ways to work around these challenges and take them
as part of the learning process. I am not the perfect son, can have the
stubbornness of a child beyond compare and I insist on what I think is right or
at least what I like; which gets me into trouble at times. I do things on my
own time. But I have come to grasp the reality that I should become more
flexible if I have to work with people.
I would like to
view myself as a late-bloomer in some aspects of my life particularly with
regards to my studies. As a child, I never realized that doing good in my
curricular activities could open doors of opportunities. I was often seen
playing around, sleeping endlessly and whines when being forced to do homework.
I never really knew what came over me and sparked my interest in doing well in
class but once I got to taste the fruits of my labor, I now strive to make good
in all my undertakings. Encouragement from my parents and peers helped a lot
when rough times come by. I am thankful for them.
I think the
people around me saw my capabilities and potentials and they started to give me
responsibilities. At first I was afraid of taking on these “burdens” but later
on found them to be opportunities to make myself better. In high school I
joined the Boy Scouts of the Philippines and from there I learned to become a
follower before I can be a leader. Before I was a mere scout then eventually
became one of the officers of the organization. This taught me how to become
part of a team and become committed to its mission and vision.
College came and
I decided to become part of the Red Cross Youth Council – Pharmacy Unit. From
there I became a more compassionate individual, seeing first-hand the situation
of our less fortunate brethren during our regular outreach programs. I also
realized that helping others is a rewarding experience. From being a mere
member of the RCYC; I became the head of a committee along with some of my
friends; as the advisers saw our dedication to the cause of the organization.
During my
medical technology internship at the UST-OPD; I was assigned as one of the
group leaders tasked to handle a number of medical technology interns. It prepared
me for the following rotation at the Philippine Heart Center; were I was
assigned by the internship coordinator as the head of all the medical technology
interns from UST as well as those coming from other institutions. It was no
easy task for I was in an environment outside my Alma Mater and I was carrying
its name with me. It was no stroll in the park, I’ll tell you that, but
eventually I got the hang of it and enjoyed every moment.
Eventually I
graduated with a B.S. in Medical Technology, though without any laureate to
brag, I was happy and fulfilled because I know in my heart I am as competent as
any of them. Armed with the knowledge, skills and a lot of faith in the
Almighty; I knew was ready to take on the challenges of medical school. My
first year in medicine was an adjustment phase yet I was determined to do well
in class and pass the board examination all at the same time. It’s a mere
balancing act wherein I dedicated my free time reviewing and the remaining time
catching up with the lessons at hand. But in the end I passed the board and my
first year in medicine with flying colors.
During my second
year in medicine; I did the same balancing act; studying and being able to lead
the student body as PRO of the Medicine Student Council. I had my short comings
at times but I make sure I make-up for them. In the end of the school year I
learned that I was doing well with my studies and I am happy of my achievements
in both fields.
I am a young lad
determined to excel in whatever I set my mind to. Trying to challenge myself to
do better; regardless of the outcome; I know I put my best effort into it. I am
proud of what I have achieved. These are some the experiences and
accomplishments that have molded me to what I have become today. With my
continuing medical education in UST; I know would be a compassionate, committed
and competent physician in the near future.
