Our Lady of Fatima University (OLFU) President Caroline Marian Enriquez personally empathized with the international students in the College of Medicine as they confront serious challenges pursuing a medical degree in a foreign land.
In an intimate student orientation exclusively set for the international Fatimanians on 22 September 2023 at the Lecture Hall of RISE Tower, Dr. Enriquez warmly welcomed a diverse set of students hailing from different countries, who hope to become future doctors.
“I know it means a lot [for] you and for you to leave your country, to leave your homes and be in another place for your studies,” the President gently said as a recognition of their chosen trek.
After sensing sentimental reactions from the foreign audience, Enriquez immediately encouraged the students to celebrate their less-traveled academic journey.
“It takes a lot of courage, a lot of guts to leave your comfort homes, to leave your comfort zones,” Enriquez said while equally stating the demands of the program that they will have to satisfy later.
“It’s not going to be easy but it can be made easy if you practice good study habits, you start talking to each other as colleagues, and make sure that your vision and everything that you do is always geared towards how you want to be and what you want to be when you leave Our Lady of Fatima University,” the doctor-president further averred.
The academic champion then reaffirmed OLFU’s commitment to produce competent doctors where she yet again emphasized to the international students the even arduous path inevitably generated by the disparity of cultures, and way of life in general in a foreign country.
“That’s why your anchor[s] would be each other, and your faculty members who are here with you to help and support you in your studies,” said the President who eventually vowed to provide holistic support.
Facilitated by the Center for Guidance Services (CGS), the orientation properly relayed to the international students the fundamentals including the established rules and regulations of the institution, the formal introduction to the academic legacy of OLFU over the decades, and most importantly, the broad forms of support that OLFU is ready to provide to traverse the challenging journey to getting a medical degree.
“They’re here. You can reach out to them in any form, whether it’s online or personal, that’s also fine. For those who are Catholics, if you need spiritual guidance from a priest, we have him onboard as well. For those coming from other religions, you can approach the guidance center, talk to them about your needs and how we could help you,” Enriquez passionately said as she emphasized the all-inclusive assistance the foreign students can access while toiling on their education at OLFU.
Capping off the special assembly, the President endearingly requested everyone to adapt to a prominent Filipino characteristic.
“I’ll be asking [the] same [thing] from you. Wake up each morning with a smile knowing that it will all be fine, if you do your share of work,” appealed the University chief while humbly thanking them for believing in the values and the quality education at OLFU.
The orientation turned out to be a well-attended gathering where the introduction of the faculty, and the distinguished leader of the College of Medicine under Acting Dean Dr. Jose Arnel Manalili eventually became one of the highlights.
A photo opportunity followed and ended the orientation in high spirits. – Raymond Lumagsao
