By Venus Balino Lucero

Centralin Nurse Venus Lucero administers the first Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine at the Ottawa Hospital to a patient at a vaccination clinic, Tuesday December 15, 2020 in Ottawa. Photo from https://ottawa.ctvnews.ca/

December 15, 2020 is a historical day in Canada’s capital. The most anticipated day has come! The first Covid-19 vaccine was administered to a deserving frontline hero on a Tuesday morning. It signifies a new ray of hope and light as we celebrate the holiday season and welcome the year 2021 with optimism. As they say, this is just the beginning of the end as we continue to combat this deadly virus that has already claimed millions of lives around the world. The behind-the-scenes preparations for this big day to happen are extremely done in a meticulous manner. It is with great pride and honor being a part of this monumental day. I was asked if I would be cool enough to give the first shot of the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 mRNA vaccine? Without hesitation, I gladly replied, YES! Never did I imagine that I am going to be a part of history. I have been working as a Registered Practical Nurse at the Ottawa Hospital for two years. This workplace has offered me a lot of opportunities. It is truly indeed, inspired by research and driven by compassion.

When I look back on my humble beginnings, my Alma Mater would always be in my mind and the people who have encouraged and supported me to be where I am now. I am a true blue Centralian and Central Philippine University was my cradle of knowledge and attitude since then. It was June 2007, when I entered the doors of the College of Nursing. Nursing has changed my existence and personality. I learned to express myself and developed self-confidence. I have been through a lot of trials and difficulties during my college years, especially in financial aspects. Despite that, I strongly believe that poverty is not a hindrance to success. I learned to appreciate the value of perseverance and education. I was one of the successful graduates of Bachelor of Science in Nursing Class 2011.

I never got the chance to practice my nursing profession in the Philippines due to some unfortunate circumstances. Nevertheless, my compelling and meaningful related learning experience equipped me with the right knowledge, skills, and attitude in pursuance of becoming a nurse here in Canada. I am obliged to undergo numerous appraisals, examinations, and assessments constantly. I took the Practical Nursing Diploma for Foreign-Trained Nurse at Algonquin College for me to practice nursing safely and legally in this diverse and dynamic nation. Successfully, I graduated with Honours.

I emigrated here in Canada five years ago. I am now happily married to a wonderful life partner, Earl Collins Lucero, who is also a Centralian, a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Class 2011. Currently, he is working as an IT Support Specialist at the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. What we have achieved and where we are right now is deeply rooted in our dearest Alma Mater and will be forever grateful for that. Hence, Central Spirit continues to live in our hearts!