Pilipit! Pilipit! Pilipit kayo jan!”, that was my everyday line during my younger years.
I grew up in a “not so” middle-class family where every penny counts for my parents to sustain the basic needs of their seven children. I used to sell my mother’s home-cooked food “pilipit” (sweetened sticky rice) at an early age. From then, I knew how hard it was to earn a living so I grew up striving for a better future dreaming of becoming a successful doctor. This is where my Lyceum of the Philippines University journey began.
When I entered college with dreams of becoming a doctor, I chose Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) because I heard that LPU is one of the best when it comes to medical programs. I was skeptical whether to proceed with enrolling in the BS Medical Technology (BSMedtech) program taking into consideration our financial status then. Of course, as I was expecting, the tuition fee was beyond what my parents could afford. But I was thankful to the LPU Administrators who encouraged me to take the entrance examination and advised me that once I pass the entrance examination, they will discuss how they can help me with the tuition fee as well as how to become one of the PAMET (Philippines Association of Medical Technologists) scholars. I needed to maintain high grades if I wanted to have that scholarship to tide me over for the next school year at least.
I passed the entrance examination for BS Medical Technology as if God knew that I was meant to be in LPU. Though my parents knew that it will be financially difficult for us, they still supported my dream and I enrolled in LPU. My parents struggled during my first year as my six siblings were also simultaneously studying at that time. Aside from my dreams which equipped my schooling journey, God has put me into the right institution where those professional instructors, especially our Dean, Dr. Annie Valdez, were heaven-sent as they guided and fully supported me on getting the PAMET scholarship. I became a PAMET scholar in my second year and with a lot of hard work, huge endeavor, and with the grace of God, I maintained the high grade that PAMET required. I graduated as a PAMET scholar! Kudos to the professional LPU staff, Ma’am Tess Suarez and Professors, Dr. Karen Magbojos, PCMC doctors and technologists, and our Clinical Instructor Sir Jazz Almarez (thank you for sharing your board reviewer).
Currently, I am working as UAE Head of Quality at Al Borg Laboratory Group, one of the most prestigious companies in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. It was not my fate to become a doctor, it was as if God’s medium put me in the right Institution to prepare me for what I am destined to be. Indeed, God has put me in a place where I was needed to be and where I can be of help to other People while being successful. I’m taking up my Master in Business Administration major in Quality Management. As I recall, I started working at Al Borg 15 years ago; From a small branch 15 years back, we have branches now all over UAE and other middle east countries. I am proud to be part of my organization’s journey throughout the years. Where I am right now is not only because of my hard work, huge endeavor, and supportive family but most importantly together with our Almighty, it’s because of my Alma Mater Lyceum of the Philippines University! I am not the smartest person in my field but I know this is my blessing from God. And thank God for his grace and generosity! #ButiNaLangNagLyceumAko
Ms. Michelle Shakib Amboy, RMT, HAAD
BS Medical Technology, 2000
Group Quality Head, Al Borg Medical Laboratories Abu Dhabi/AlAin/Dubai/Sharjah/RAK, UAE
#LyceanSuccessStory