“I believe that everyone is meant to do something in this world, and mine was nursing,” Rami answered when we asked about her dreams and aspirations at 20. Rami, a senior in her mid-70s, who had just finished an intense Zumba workout at the Bayside Community Center, sat down with my group to share her life stories and experiences when she was at her prime age of twenty. She explained that she was born and raised in the Philippines where everyone there had their eyes set on immigrating to the United States for a better life. It was her and her family’s dream to come to the US for better education, working conditions, and diverse opportunities. She eventually moved to California and was very focused on school in order to obtain the nursing degree she has always hoped to achieve. Despite long and arduous working hours as a nurse, she could not see herself in another profession. The reward of helping very sick and vulnerable patients, to taking care of them until they could walk out of the hospital door themselves gave her the greatest pleasure. She told us that she has not married, and has no children, which allowed her to live her young life stress-free. Her favorite hobby is to travel and experience the beautiful places that every country has to offer-- Australia and Japan were a couple of her favorites. The one thing that resonated most with me was that she emphasized that having a passion for whatever you do in life is what drives you and makes life meaningful. And I believe that this is so true. Reflecting upon our conversation, I really enjoy getting to spend time talking with seniors as they all hold so much wisdom and experiences that propelled them to where they are today. Though I’ve only met Rami for half an hour, I will always remember her passion that she holds for her nursing career, traveling, and maintaining friendships.
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Katrina HungWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. Archives
June 2019
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