Who wouldn’t be overwhelmed with joy upon realizing that all the sacrifices and hard work during studies and board exam reviews have not only paid off but also led to topping the exams?
Such was the case in the November 2023 Philippine Nurses Licensure Examination (PNLE), where Cris Vinz C. Tomboc from West Visayas State University secured the top spot.
Photo courtesy: Cris Vinz C. Tomboc (FB)
Upon seeing the results, his sibling, Arliz Tomboc, shared in a Facebook post that Cris Vinz couldn’t hold back tears of joy after learning the outcome of the nursing board exam.
It can be read, “OMG!!!!! TOP 1 SA NURSING BOARD EXAM ANG KAPATID KO!!!!!!!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS BROTHERRR!!!!! ALL YOUR HARDWORK HAS PAID OFF!!!!!! 😭😭😭🙏🙏🙏 THANK YOU, LORD!!!!!!!!
Vinz Tomboc, RN TOP 1 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
In a heartfelt Facebook post, Tomboc shared the challenges he encountered throughout his studies and review journey.
He opened his post with a well-known quote from the internationally acclaimed artist, Lady Gaga.
“‘If you have a dream, fight for it.’ This is the quote from Lady Gaga that I’ve placed on my iPad’s home screen to keep me motivated every time I open it to study.”
“And now, look at what I have accomplished: I TOPPED my Nursing Licensure Examination, ranking number 1!”
“This achievement stands as a genuine testament to the hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment I have invested to attain this remarkable feat,” he reiterated.
The newly licensed nurse reflected on the struggles he endured throughout the review process.
“I recall dedicating 8 to 12 hours daily to study during the review season, firmly focused on the goal of topping the boards. I adhered to a strict daily study schedule, mindful of every hour.”
“I often reminded my friends that if I’m working hard, there’s someone out there working even harder, so I must strive to work the hardest,” he said.
Tomboc vividly remembered the countless nursing flashcards he relied on throughout his review journey.
“And yes, I have memorized over 8,000 nursing flashcards (studying around 500-1000 daily), repeatedly, until I committed them into long term memory.”
“I used an app called Anki, which facilitated answering exam questions without difficulty, as if retrieving information from my mind like a search on Google. I have also answered 20,000-30,000 questions to gear myself up for what was to come.”
Tomboc recounted the moments after seeing the results, eagerly sharing the exciting news with his family, relatives, and friends. He described feeling as though he had hit the jackpot, with memories of his hard work, dedication, and perseverance during the review process rushing back to him.
“I remembered all the support, encouragement, and guidance that I had received from my family, friends, and mentors. I realized that this was not just a lucky break, but a deserved reward.”
“I’ve realized that this achievement is not merely the fulfillment of a dream, but a powerful affirmation of my potential. It marks the commencement of my journey in nursing.”
“This was not just a personal achievement, but a collective one. I wouldn’t have done this alone without the wonderful people who stood by me since day one.”
Photo courtesy: Cris Vinz C. Tomboc (FB)
Towards the end of his post, Tomboc expressed heartfelt gratitude to the special individuals who supported and inspired him throughout his journey.
