The history of what I become now started one summer day when my mom asked me what I want to be in the future. I always wanted to be a journalist or field news reporter, I can still remember my teacher in middle school telling me that I can be a good news anchor someday. That was when I excelled during our English class activity in public speaking.

However, my parents don't want to send me far from home for college. The univerity and most private colleges in our city don't have mass communication course that time, thus they convinced me to choose a course that is available in our hometown. My aunt in the United States suggested Physical Therapy, I got curious that time because it was a 5-year course, so I did. That summer I enrolled the course, though I still have second thoughts, thinking that I could just take B.S. Biology and maybe pursue Med School after. But then the school dean mentioned that Physical Therapy is a great preparatory course for Medicine and that learning is as extensive as Med School, I took the bait and got me in.

Indeed, the course is a nightmare. That was what I'm feeling when I tried to complete all requirements for third year. It was composed of qualifying exams and those nerve- wracking interviews from our doctor professors. Everyone was rushing, wanting and eager to be part of the official third year class, only to anticipate a nightmare of sleepless nights, long waits for revalidation exams (we call it revalida), moving exams, practical exams, I don't know what more, but it was a ride of fear and pressure.

Nightmare in Physical Therapy is literally real, when we started learning human anatomy, we have a real human cadaver and most of my classmates had nightmares, if not in dreams, some struggles from the smell of the formalin, not to mention the difficulty of identifying and memorizing intricate muscles, vessels and nerves in the human body. We learn to eat and took a nap inside the Anatomy laboratory despite of the smell and the toxic condition of the place, for survival and eventually graduate. Looking back, I don't know how I get through the entire ordeal, hard work it is, and heaps of prayers.

The hardship made me and my batchmates cling to each other through group study and group research, note sharing and discussions, overnight outs not for parties but for study sessions. Human Anatomy and Physiology and Medical Surgical Subjects took the bulk of those sleepless nights. We became masters in calculating the 75% passing mark in every quiz and exam LOL! For us, that is all that matters to pass. Who cares of the A's and the 1.0?

Then, internship came. The first five months of my fifth year in college was my first time to leave home. I was assigned for Metro Manila internship rotation, and adopting the busy life was difficult in a whole different perspective. I had a bunch of first time experience in Manila, I think I could write a different article about it. However, those first times are great times and treasured memories. All worth it.

The five long years passed and graduation day came. I was so proud of myself for completing a 5-year course in 5 years time, for this has been an ultimatum by my parents for us, all five siblings. Well, except for our youngest, who did course hopping almost every year. Annoys me at first, but what can I do, strict parents became soft hearted in their golden years, lol!

The fruit of my labor is here now. All worth it, I believe. I don't want additional years of tedious schooling so I gave up Med School dream. There is fulfillment in what I do now with my patients and with life, that all- matters.

I devote another year of self-study for the board exam and passed it in my first try. Praise God! This was the ultimate fruit of my labor, I guess, having this 4-letter acronym beside my name - PTRP.

Closing Thoughts

The fruit always comes with hardships, persistence, consistency and devotion. The journey to it has never been an easy process.

I look back on the perils which I have overcome, of countless exams, determination, pressure and challenges. That time, I felt certainty that I have done so much. However, now I question myself if I have done it by far. What if? What now?

For @JonicaBradley writing prompt "The Fruits of Labor"

Prompt Rules:

1. Write anything about The Fruits of Labor

2. Write 100% original content

3. Write at least 600 words

4. Submit your story to PromptlyJonica

5. Tag @JonicaBradley

6. Have Fun!

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