Our goals in life keep us moving forward. Although it might take some time, we opt to adapt to circumstances and challenges that come while pursuing our goals.

In my early years of existence, I noticed that no matter how difficult life is, a simple smile from one person to another lifts up the mood. In that instance, I wanted to become a person who brings back or boosts the confidence to smile. Hence, I chose to become a Dentist.

It was challenging for sure but what I can say is all the hard work made me stronger - mentally, physically and spiritually. Certainly, the daily stress in our “studentista” life is excruciating; waking up in the morning with the hope that our day would be productive, hoping that our patients would attend our appointments, hoping that our clinical instructors are in a good mood, hoping that we still have energy to attend our lectures, hoping to get passing scores during quizzes or tests, and lastly; hoping that at the end of the day, we have enough time to relax.

I graduated after 7 long years and took the licensure examination after 3 months. Waiting for the results to be released was the most agonizing moment in my life. I was at home alone when the results came, my hands were shaking as I was looking for my name. I was very nervous and tears started to stream down my cheeks when I saw my name on the list, I cried delightfully because I achieved my goal. And in that moment, I prayed and thanked Him for the blessing. Finally! I can help bring back smiles to other people. I cannot describe or put into words what I felt in that exact moment but what I can say is; it was all worth it. All the experiences - good and bad is what made me who I am today, a dentist who is a fighter with a grateful heart.

Indeed, achieving our goals in life keeps us moving forward. We may have difficulties crossing the bridge but we keep pursuing what we strive for. And at the end of the bridge, another one turns up to guide us to our next goal. We just need to cross it again, this time with the courage and knowledge we attained from crossing the first one.

Credits: Emman Dacpano
Location: Camp 3, Kennon Road, Benguet, Philippines