For many, changing careers after a decade in one field can be a daunting decision, fraught with challenges and uncertainties. But for Jheric Ryan M. Adams, a Nursing Assistant Professional Diploma graduate from Filipino Institute-Abu Dhabi campus, this decision was driven by a profound personal experience and a deep desire to make a difference in the lives of others.
Fuelled by personal experience
“I decided to enroll in caregiving when our premature son was born; they motivated me to pursue a career in healthcare,” Jheric shares.
The birth of his premature son opened his eyes to the significance of caregiving, sparking a fire in him to delve deeper into the healthcare realm.
However, transitioning wasn’t a walk in the park for Jheric.
“Juggling a full-time job and taking care of 2 children while studying Caregiving and CNA at Filipino Institute is one of the most fun and rewarding challenges I ever had,” he says.
The journey was made even more special because of “the people I get to meet along the way.”
In the hustle and bustle of his job in F&B, where he spent almost a decade, Jheric exhibited an exemplary commitment to his studies.
“Whenever we don’t have customers in the shop, I study,” he recalls.
Creatively making use of old receipts, Jheric wrote notes on their backs to serve as his reviewers.
His camaraderie with coworkers also aided in his academic endeavors, as he’d say, “I’ll ask my coworker to test me with random questions from our topic in school so I can prepare for an upcoming quiz or exam.”
This synergy with his work environment didn’t just stop at quizzing; he even practiced taking vital signs on some of their customers with their consent.
Highlighting the practical application of his learning, Jheric recalls an instance: “There was also a time when my coworker got injured on the job, and I knew what first aid to do on his wound.”
Overcoming hurdles with determination
His academic and practical training journey, however, wasn’t devoid of bumps. “I remember my first day in OJT I was so excited and nervous that I barely even slept,” Jheric reminisces.
This nervousness is a sentiment most can relate to, but Jheric’s newfound confidence from his training at FI empowered him.
He thought, “I’m from F.I. kaya ko to.”
However, adversity struck when his family contracted the Adenovirus, resulting in an almost two-week hospital stay. This made it incredibly challenging for him to concentrate on his training, but Jheric’s resolve remained unshaken.
His resilience bore fruit when, shortly after finishing his OJT, he secured a job in homecare.
Describing the intrinsic reward of his new profession, he says, “Having taken care of someone knowing you made a difference in their life feels very rewarding at the end of the day.”
Expressing his gratitude to his support system, Jheric adds, “For the people that supported me since day one, I am forever grateful to you guys.”