Top 9 si Von Ragasa sa May 2022 Dentistry Licensure Examination. Nakakuha siya ng rating na 81 percent.
Produkto ang 23 years old na Cebuana ng Cebu Doctors’ University. Nagtapos siya noong August 2021.
Bunso siya sa dalawang magkapatid.
Nakapanayam si Von ng PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) noong June 1 sa pamamagitan ng Facebook Messenger.
Pagbabahagi niya, simula pagkabata ay pangarap na niya ang maging dentista. Isang physician ang kanyang ina kaya maaga siyang namulat sa importansiya ng kalusugan.
Aniya, “Majority of Filipinos give little importance to oral health care, especially in the marginalized sectors, probably due to financial constraint, or lack of information and health education.
“Neglecting proper care of our oral health can lead to a variety of diseases, thus causing a number of potential problems to happen.
“Oral health is essential to achieving and maintaining our overall physical, and emotional well-being throughout life.”
SUMUBOK MUNANG MAGING MUSICIAN
Gayunpaman, pagka-graduate sa high school ay hindi dentistry ang unang kinuha ni Von sa kolehiyo. Gaya rin umano siya ng iba na hindi agad makadesisyon kung anong career path ang tatahakin.
“So, my mother enrolled me in Bachelor of Science in Music, as she was inspired by my strong enthusiasm for music and passion for singing.
“But then, I felt I was unsettled. I was not at peace. There were worries and uneasiness.”
Nag-pray umano siya at nag-isip mabuti kung ano ang dapat niya gawin.
“Finally I made up my mind and shifted to dentistry. God helped me decide wisely, to choose and follow my dream course.”
Pagtatapat niya, nahirapan siya sa dentistry.
“Academic, physical, psychological, and budgetary, made me fall unto my knees many times.”
Iniwasan niya ang ma-frustrate, at itinuon ang focus sa pag-aaral. Isinakripisyo rin niya ang kanyang social life.
Naging goal din niya na agad makapasa sa licensure exam na para sa kanya ay “a lifetime achievement.”
THE HARDEST PART
Ayon pa kay Von ay hindi ganoon kadali at kasimple ang kursong dentistry.
“Becoming a dentist needs huge commitment. It is time-consuming, it is very costly due to dental materials and equipment, and it is quite difficult, both in theoretical and practical subjects.
“But nonetheless, it is a challenging and a worthwhile career. Back in school, I was just an average student, and I struggled too that's why I did not expect to be one of the topnotchers.”
Pinakanahirapan naman siya nang turuan na silang magbunot ng ngipin.
Pag-amin niya, “The practical part was my weakness because, to me, it is more draining and mind-numbing.”
“AT LOST” PAGKA-GRADUATE DAHIL SA PANDEMYA
Pagbabahagi pa ni Von, pagkatapos ng graduation ay “at lost” siya dahil sa pandemya.
“As if I do not know what's going to happen next, of what's going to happen to my future. In the midst of a pandemic, all of us are susceptible to succumb to this dreaded disease.”
Nalagay rin aniya sa kompromiso ang kanilang face-to-face review.
“Most often, we had it online. It was tougher and more strenuous. I couldn't imagine being all alone in my room, confined in four walls.”
Nahirapan siyang mag-adjust sa online review at naging tamad siya at antukin.
“I lacked the energy and motivation to even glance at my notes. Maybe I was tired and burdened.”
Muli siyang nag-pray para ma-encourage, at dahil doon, “I was able to get up, meditate on His word. Then, the best thing just happened—I made it!
“I honestly never thought I’d pass the board exam because I really had a hard time during the theoretical and practical exams.”
PLANONG MAGKAROON NG SARILING CLINIC
Ngayong lisensiyado na siya, gusto ni Von na magtrabaho muna bilang associate dentist sa Cebu.
“I must learn more, improve my dexterity more, and shall go into different specializations.
“I shall try my best to give dental services to my patients, with compassion, honesty, and equality.”
Kasama sa kanyang mga plano ang magkaroon ng sariling dental clinic.
Payo niya sa mga dentistry students, “Whatever discomforts and trials you experience, let it be your inspiration and not hindrance to study.
“Work harder, endure and persevere! When things seem not favorable and don't go as planned, do not be disappointed, do not be distracted, and don't even feel discouraged.”