Enroll at Milestones Review Center...'Cause Why Not?

If you are here on my blog, reading this article, more than likely you are preparing to conquer the beautiful beast known as the "NCLEX"--maybe for the first time or maybe not. You've probably spent a lot of time reading about what other people have to go through preparing for it and in some ways, comforting yourself, while in other ways, becoming even more terrified to walk into that testing center because you feel like what you've learned and studied for is not enough. The information can just be so overwhelming that you wouldn't even know where to start. 

There will always be "doubts" and "what ifs?" especially if you are really nervous...but if we look at the brighter side of things, the NCLEX is the last step towards our goal of becoming a nurse. I think, you will agree with me when I say that Nursing school alone is really tough and passing the boards means you have jumped through all the hoops and you're finally seeing the light at the end of that tunnel-- A pretty awesome feeling, right? 

If you feel like self-studying and practice questions does not help you prepare for it--and if you are frantically looking for ways to pass the NCLEX, you need to look no further--Milestones Review Center can help you reach your goals. 

The review center's goal is to change lives, one student at a time. Milestones was conceptualized in 2009 through the vision of Angelica Dizon. She has always been passionate about teaching and her career--she wants to share what she knows and train the next generation not just passing the boards but to ingrain in every students the importance of having the knowledge to do the work. Angelica created Milestones because she has that burning passion to teach, to empower others, and to connect people that makes her who and what she is now. 

NCLEX is no rocket science if you are presented with the right knowledge, right materials, right information, and up-to-date NCLEX information. At Milestones, Angelica makes sure that she spend her time with informing students what to expect and teaching them what they really need to focus on for the NCLEX, she puts in effort to change curriculum and her lectures to match recent NCLEX changes, she keeps up with recent researchers by attending lectures like the National Council of State Board of Nursing conference--who by the way makes the NCLEX examination, and constantly assess her students on where they are at. Angelica uses diverse techniques to help her students navigate the examination and teach them the knowledge that they need to be confident in taking the NCLEX. 

The National Council of State Board of Nursing had a conference last September 25, 2017 and guess what? Angelica was there and according to her, she "strives to deliver the most updated lectures to match the needs of our students to successfully pass the NCLEX and the best way to know it is to be on top of it and to spend time with the body that creates the exam."--Pretty amazing, right? 

and not just that.... She also had the opportunity to be with Dr. Hong (whose forte is psychometrics and how exam scores are evaluated) and with Dr. Dickinson (who is the Chief Officer of Examinations of NCSBN) and again, for Angelica, the NCSBN conference has been "professionally gratifying". According to her, it humbles her to know the "in and outs" of this exam as an educator. She is happy to be there and it inspired her more to be a part and do something about raising the bar of Nursing education to the next level. 

With Dr. Hong 

With Dr. Dickinson 

So what are you waiting for? 

Come check out Milestones Review Center and join its growing family! 

To learn more about Milestones Review Center: 

Visit their website at: https://www.milestonesreviewcenter.tips

OR 

their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/MilestonesReview/

The Outlook

There are days in our lives when we'll feel like we needed a break from reality for awhile--to just relax, unwind, and loosen up. Last Monday afternoon, I was at home sitting in our couch and wanted to do something that would get my mind off from the realities of life--from school work, plans about life, and my disappointments. Since I had my mom's car--I decided to dragged my little cousin Joslyn and drive to Great Falls Park. 

Great Falls Park is located in McLean, Virginia. The physical address for this park is 9200 Old Dominion Drive, McLean, Virginia 22102. Great Falls Park is along the Potomac River that builds up speed and force as it falls over a series of steep, jagged rocks, and flows through the narrow Mather George. It offers a glimpse of the early history of this country and has many opportunities to explore history and nature with its beautiful 800- acre park only 15 miles from the Nation's Capital (U.S. National Park Service) I came from Maryland, so if using the 495, you take exit 44 for VA193 west, you drive about three miles and turn right to Old Dominion Drive, and the entrance is one mile away. 

At the entrance, you will pay a $10 fee to be able to enter the park and is valid for three days. There is a lot of parking spaces so you can park anywhere. 

Photo above is their Visitor Center where you can have more information about the park-- you can watch a video about the park, ask for a trail maps and self-guided tour of the Patowmack, Canal, and a lot more. There are restrooms and concession stand located at the lower level. 

It's time to explore and unwind. I wanted to view the falls so I decided to go and see Overlooks 1-3 and truly--best things in life are free. Beautiful is an understatement for this place. 

Pictures above: Overlook 1. 

Per National Park Service' description, this overlook is located to the left of the south end of the Visitor Center. It is the closest you can get to the Falls themselves. It is a short trail that leads down to a dirt viewing platform. The rest of the overlook is rocky and will require some easy climbing. 

Pictures above: Outlook 2 

As described by the National Park Service, the trail is located further down the trail and most of the waterfall can be seen from this overlook-- a small left wooden footbridge by the Patowmack Canal wayside. It is disable accessible because it has a staircase and ramp that leads down to a large wooden viewing platform. 

Pictures above: Outlook 3

Overlook 3 is located near the High Water Marks pole--this overlook is the last place where you view the falls. 

When I was there, I was able to free my mind and heart from the disappointments that I am feeling. I love taking pictures especially of views like this--Great Falls Park is so much more than that--it is one of God's most powerful and scenic view that we need to be grateful for. This is one proof that "best things in life are free". 

Back and Better

It's been a while since my last blog post. I don't even know where to start. 2016 has been a roller coaster ride for me and a lot of things happened in my life during the last half of 2016 but I thank God for giving me the best support system. Everything that happened was unexpected, depressing, painful, and some are unbearable. 

That time, all I wanted to do was to quit because I don't know how or where to pick up myself anymore. I admit it, I am not perfect and I have done so many bad decisions in my life but I know within me that I want to be someone and I wanted to be the best that I can possibly--at that time, I don't know how but I live it all up to God. I admit that there's a part of me that is unhappy and I know why and I will also admit that there are things and decisions that I regret--but I just have to move forward. 

I thought I wouldn't be able to survive the hurdle but again, I am thankful to God and thankful that he gave me the best support system. 2017 has been great so far and I hope it continues to be great--there are bumps as I pursue my dreams and what I really want but I know that I'll get there soon. 

I decided to write again because I feel like letting it all out will make me a much better person and I was inspired by my friend, Jazzie--who blogs now and is enjoying it. 

So, watch out for my posts for the coming days and I will try to write as much as I can and in the aim of inspiring people who come across my blog. 

-P

My Arbonne Experience: A Life Changing Event

Last year, my Mom signed me up for this business. I thought, she just signed me up to be her consultant and I don't have to do anything after. That is what I thought. Quite frankly, I was in the middle of not interested to being interested about the business. But you know what, it is more than that! 

MY MOM. MY EVERYTHING. MY RIDE OR DIE CHIC. MY BEST FRIEND. 

This is my Mom. She believes in me more than I believe in myself. She sees the potential in me and God, I am so lucky that I have someone like her to push me to do great things! I can't ask for more and if I would live again, I will choose her to be my mother, over and over again. She signed me up to be a consultant in Arbonne and though, I have those moments that I don't really care about it--she never gave up on me. Dedicated much? But I know that she is doing it for me to become a much better version of myself, to come out of my comfort zone, to come out of my shell, and to be out there grabbing all the opportunities that I can grab. I am very lucky, indeed! 

So, Thursday, April 16, was our trip to Las Vegas.  I travelled with my siblings.. Tadaaaaaa!

TWO OF GOD'S WONDERFUL GIFT TO ME! 

We travelled from Ronald Reagan Airport. Our travel itinerary was from DCA- CHICAGO-LAS VEGAS--A total of 7 hours flying. Well, we were able to manage the trip by ourselves--we are trained well by our parents, of course! :) We arrived in Vegas at 12 midnight. 

The next morning, I woke up at 6:30 to prepare for the Arbonne Global Training Conference or commonly known as GTC. At first, it was okay. I was like, I am just going to attend the first day and that's it. Pretty honest right? Hahaha 

I met my mom at their hotel room and we started walking from our hotel to MGM Grand because the conference will be held there. 

AT THE MGM ARENA WITH THE MADRE

AT THE REGISTRATION PLACE WITH THE MADRE

Knowing my Mom, every moment counts but that is a good thing because life is way too short to be unhappy and not capture great moments and memories. Right? My mom asked an Arbonne Staff to take a picture of us after registering me for the Conference. As we walk towards the Arena, I have no idea what I am going to see and experience. 

When I came in, I was in awe! It was overwhelming and oh my God, there were a lot of people- 17,000 plus people! Massive! I thought it was gonna be boring because people will just talk in front of you. But, I was wrong! It wasn't boring and I have learned a lot from people's stories and success. It was very inspiring and I was moved. I was touched by the stories and I have realized that nothing is impossible if we believe in ourselves and if we work hard to reach our goals. Speakers were not just speakers there are successful people who have reach the top and learning from the CEO and the people behind this great company-- I am so lucky to be a part of it. 

Another thing that made me more interested with the business is that-- it was just not purely business. It is a company that has a heart-- the heart to give back to the less fortunate people. That is why they are so successful. I was in awe of how many teens they have helped through their foundation and how they have changed their lives to become the best version of themselves. I don't have much to offer as of the moment but I am into helping and giving back to others the best way I know how because I feel like God has given me so much through my parents and I need to give back for the unending blessing that he has given me and my family. I find that it Arbonne, too! Everyone there has vision to be successful and help others and that is what I want-- to meet people with extraordinary passion to be successful and help others. 

I have learned that this business venture is something that can easily be duplicated if you put your heart into it. It won't always be easy and we will have that topsy turvy challenges along the way but then if you have the goals to succeed and make it bigger--nothing is impossible. This Arbonne business does not take a lot of wisdom to start but you grow with it-- when you start it, I believe that it will be intimidating especially if you aren't that comfortable in talking to people and selling stuff but then you will begin to understand how people will react and respond to different situations and ideals. What I learned is that, people will not always agree with you--people will not always say yes BUT that is okay because at least you have tried. At the GTC, A lot of successful Arbonne leaders started from the bottom, for some of them, it took years for them to build their nation but giving up for them was never an option--it became an inspiration for them to do much better and to do their best to be on the top and to become successful--PRETTY INSPIRING!

I have learned that at Arbonne, you can be changed in many different ways BUT for the good though and for the best version of yourself. What I mean by change in Arbonne can be in different ways: 

1) Change of lifestyle: by becoming healthier through the Health products and by the challenges that comes along with it. 

2) Change in beauty: by the beauty products that can enhance yourself naturally and can boost your confidence

there is a lot more but I think that the most important is: 

3) Change in Personal Development: by becoming a part of the business and being able to give back in our own special ways and the opportunities that are available for us from the company. By being out there in the open and coming out of yourself. By building your self-worth and confidence through the business.

That night, we attended the Lynn Puana Nation Party and I met some of the most amazing people that added to my motivation and serves as an inspiration--well, My mom is included and will always be my inspiration! 

Some more pictures from the Amazing Arbonne GTC, Truly Unstoppable! 

With these beautiful Arbonne Ladies: Tita Andrea, Me, My Mom, Tita Amanda, and Tita Catherine 

A selfie with the Madre. 

Lynn Puana Nation. Such an inspiration to become a better person and to be successful 

The third day and the last day was fun and much more inspiring. Different stories from different speakers from different walks of life with hardships but then ended up to be on top because of determination, perseverance, and the goals to become successful. Things that I have also enjoyed are the trainings and the product samples. The conference was a great training ground for young people like me because you meet different people and you listen to people who makes sense and people that you know will bring you up. 

There are a lot of things that I wanna say but the most important things that I have learned and the things that I want to share from the conference that I have brought with me are: 

1) Have a goal and work hard for it

2) Do not be afraid to come of your shell

3) Never give up 

4) Be honest and be yourself 

5) Love what you do 

6) Be the best version of yourself and know what you can do

7) Know your weaknesses and work on them 

8) Develop your strengths 

9) Believe in yourself and be positive

10) Give back 

I have read that that there are three methods of wisdom and it includes: reflection, imitation, and experience and for me, I can apply it to myself-- as I am starting my Arbonne journey for I have the tools now and to be better at it! 

1) Reflection: I have gained these through the GTC experience by looking at myself, from the people and the things that surrounds me. By seeing those successful people and learning from them through the trainings, I know I can be one of them too. 

2) Imitation: The Arbonne business is duplicable and it is simple-- I just have to be more proactive to be able to be more successful in the business. I should take what has been given to me and if I work hard, I can have the same results. Right? 

3) Experience: I believe that without knowing two of the above methods, you can't gain any. It is a matter of trying and not losing hope. I am in the way of starting my Arbonne experience and I know it is worth a try. The ride won't be easy but I know that if I put my heart into it and make it as a part of me, i'll be successful. 

For me, My Arbonne GTC experience was the best and I wouldn't trade it with anything. I was so humbled by the stories and the event itself. I am thankful to my Mom for registering me to join the conference. I am still in awe and it will be a part of my inspiration as I go along in this journey. It was a humbling and great experience. I never and will never regret that I attended this conference. 

Remember, Life is full of ups and downs. Without the downs, the ups would mean nothing. 

Giving Back To The Community

It has been a while. I was really busy since the last time I posted a blog. 

WHAT IS CHARITY?

 Charity would be define as "giving voluntarily to those in need; alms-giving, an institution or an organization for helping those in need, a kindness, and love of one's fellow human being." For me, charity is something that should be coming from the heart--not just doing it because it'll look good on other people's eye. It is something that should be coming from within. Giving to charity is something that would benefit yourself as much or more than it benefits those to whom you give. That reason alone should be sufficient enough to justify the reason behind charity works and the like. 

Kadayawan Festival is an annual event in the city of Davao in the Philippines. The event is a celebration of life, thanksgiving for the gifts of nature, the wealth of the culture, the bounties of harvest and serenity of living [Google]. I don't get to celebrate that because it is either I am back here in the US or it is my flight back to Manila. But, for my friends in the Philippines, it is a tradition that they must attend to. However, last year, my friends and I decided to do a feeding program and instead of them attending Kadayawan, they chose to do something worthwhile. 

August 17, 2012, We did a feeding program at Nuangan Elementary School. At 6AM, Ereka and I went to the market to buy all the ingredients,and materials that we need. We went back to my grandmother's house after to cook and prepare there. Jorena, Karleene, Sly, Trizia, Ysabelle, and Raphael went to my Grandmother's house at 7am. Others went to Ysabelle's crib to get the water jugs. While others, went to Raphael's crib to get bigger pans. Jorena and Ysabelle went to the market to buy breads and juices. We started cooking around 7:30AM and I think we were able to make four huge huge pans of Pancit. Then, we started packaging the sandwich, making the juices, and preparing stuffs that we need to bring. We thought that we would ran out of time and be late but thank God, we were able to finish everything before the scheduled feeding program. 

Some pictures of the preparation:

Kitchen Buddies

Packaging

The Gang

Packaging

 We are ready! Here we go!

ViP (our group name)

The Chairmans! :)

THE SCHOOL

Some Pictures from the Feeding Program

This event was an eye-opener not just for me but for my friends as well. Some of these kids walk from their houses to school. Others go to school with an empty stomach. If you think about it, you would ask yourself, "how do they function very well in school?" The answer is, some of them sleep, some of them can't focus and some of them don't go back to school after lunch because it is too tiring and sometimes they sleep at night without eating. 

Lesson Learned: Be thankful for all the things that you have. Be grateful of the life that you have. Because, you are still fortunate than others. 

 It was a great experience. It was a collaborative effort. It was rewarding. We made the kids and teachers happy. We felt very very happy. We learned as a whole that, by giving to a charity helps our communities better places to live by helping to provide something that other people who might not have access to anything. Also, those who witness our giving are reminded that we are all interdependent on one another. That reminder can have a viral effect and motivate countless others to follow us--an example. It can motivate others to do their own feeding programs and other charitable events. Other people believe that what they give to other people is returned to them threefold, sevenfold, or even more. The only way to find out is to START.

Anything for someone who is in need is better than no gift or not doing something for them. Start at a level that you are comfortable with. Just do what you can and give your best in doing it. Do it one step at a time. Do it when you feel able and willing to. See how your generosity does for others, and also observe the good that it does for you. Most importantly, DO IT WHOLE-HEARTEDLY.