Last Saturday marked a meaningful milestone for the BSN Class of 2028 as they gathered for the 21st Dedication and Candle Lighting Ceremony—a cherished tradition symbolizing their commitment to the nursing profession. Among the highlights of the event was an inspiring message from the college’s beloved Clinical Coordinator, HANNAH STO. DOMINGO whose story resonated deeply with students standing on the threshold of their own journeys.

A Moment of Uncertainty, A Spark of Clarity

In a candid reflection, she shared that her path to nursing was not one of immediate certainty. Like many students, she once questioned whether she had chosen the right course.

Her turning point came unexpectedly during her sophomore year, in the midst of her Related Learning Experience (RLE):

“The turning point—my ‘AHA moment’—happened during my Related Learning Experience as a sophomore. I was assigned to the OB ward, and my very first task was to empty and measure a patient’s urine bag.” What seemed like a routine task soon revealed its deeper significance. She realized that such a simple procedure held critical insights into a patient’s condition—reflecting organ perfusion, hydration status, electrolyte balance, and kidney function. More importantly, it underscored the nurse’s role in careful assessment, accurate documentation, and vigilant care.

“That moment,” she shared, “was when everything clicked. I finally felt I was exactly where I was supposed to be.”

From Clinical Realization to Lifelong Passion

That experience ignited not only Hannah’s love for nursing but also her passion for teaching. Her clinical rotations became a source of fulfillment, while her community exposures—especially conducting health education—deepened her commitment to shaping future healthcare professionals.

Now in her eighth year of teaching, her dedication remains steadfast.

Through the challenges of the pandemic, she adapted alongside her students—transitioning to online learning while ensuring that clinical competencies were not compromised. Her experience stands as a testament to the resilience required in both nursing and education.

Nurses of the Future: Grounded in Humanity

Looking ahead, she emphasized the evolving demands of the profession:

“The future needs nurses who embrace technology and complexity without losing their humanity.”

She reminded the students that their formation is not just about acquiring skills, but about becoming compassionate, perceptive, and adaptable professionals. Addressing the batch by their chosen name, she added: “To the class of Lumen Vitae: your name carries a beautiful symbolic meaning—the light of truth, faith, and knowledge. As future nurses, may this light reflect your clinical intuition, seeing what others might miss, and your compassion—being a beacon for patients in both their brightest and darkest moments.”

A Mentor Who Leads by Example

Closely engaged with BSN Level III and IV students, Hannah has long been recognized as a mentor, guide, and source of inspiration. Drawing from her experience as a seasoned Operating Room (OR) and Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) nurse, she highlighted the profound responsibility nurses carry—especially when patients are most vulnerable.

“Our patients were often unconscious. We became their advocates. It was not only about maintaining sterility, but more importantly, ensuring their safety and closely monitoring their condition.”

Her words reflect the quiet vigilance and deep accountability that define the nursing profession.

Carrying the Light Forward

As the ceremony culminated in the symbolic pinning and candle lighting, she left the students with a challenge that echoed throughout the hall:

“As you receive your pins and light your candles, remember that you are the Lumen Vitae. When the duties are long and the challenges feel heavy, let your knowledge be your compass and your compassion be your light.”

A Community of Dedication

The SISC College of Nursing takes pride in educators who embody both excellence and heart. In mentors like her, students find not only teachers, but living examples of what it means to serve with competence, compassion, and unwavering dedication.

As the candles were lit that evening, they did more than illuminate the space—they signaled the beginning of a journey guided by purpose, shaped by resilience, and sustained by the enduring light within each future nurse.