Pika's Pick: KZ Tandingan proudly flexes her Mommy Marites for passing the Nurse Licensure Examination at 56!

February 06, 2023

PHOTOS: @KZTandinganOfficial & @kz.tandingan on Facebook

KZ Tandingan: “LONG POST AHEAD BUT DEFINITELY WORTH THE READ!

“At the age of 18, my mother obtained her license as a midwife, and shortly after that, she was appointed a Clinical Instructor. When mum fell in love, married my dad, and had my sister and I one year and nine months apart, her profession was flourishing and she had a future planned. She attempted to balance being a mom and working, but in the end she made the decision to abandon the career she had fought so hard to achieve in order to concentrate on caring for her children.

“When my sister and I were in high school, my mum opted to seek a new bachelor’s degree and chose nursing, but we learned that she was pregnant with our brother after the first year of the four-year program.

“Because of the pregnancy she had to transfer to a university that was primarily established for “second coursers,” or working people looking to get a new degree with flexible class schedules.

“For a few months, she would do it, but eventually she would put it on hold in order to concentrate on her health and to prepare for the impending birth of our brother.

“When I finally went to college, my brother had already turned three yrs old, Mum continued her education attending classes on weekends till she received her diploma.

“At 43 or 44 yrs old, she tried taking the NLE without a proper review because there was just too much on her plate, and sadly she didn’t pass. She was so heartbroken that she thought maybe she’s too old or that she didn’t have what it took anymore.

“Fast forward to 2022, at 56 yrs old, more than ten years after she took the NLE for the first time, she mustered all the courage she had to try and take the NLE for the last time.

“She confined herself to her and my dad’s bedroom for almost six months and reviewed for the exam in secret. Only the family knew abt it because she didn’t want people to be disappointed just in case she didn’t pass it again. She would study so hard that she’d fall asleep while reading her books and sometimes forget to take a break to eat.

“The exam dates came, and on the last day, she burst out in tears of worry and joy and collapsed in my dad’s arms. She was worried that she might not get the result she’s been praying for but was joyful that even at 56, she was still able to do it.

“Today, 18 days after, the results came out, and I’m so proud to share that my mom, 56 yrs old, MARITES LOBRIGAS TANDINGAN is now a REGISTERED NURSE.

“Mommy, I can’t thank you enough for loving us so much that you sacrificed your career just to make sure we had the best future. Today, is a reminder that God sees everything and that He rewards His children in His perfect time. Congratulations Mommy Tess! I’m so proud of you. I love you ”