Meet a Hero

we often rummage through life in everyday routines and patterns that there seem to be almost no way of telling one day from another. but in one of those more lucid days when we get to pause for a bit and appreciate our surroundings, that's when we realize a few things. we get to notice how some people actually work actively behind the scenes to make sure our days go on the way they should.

and if you've ever taken up Histology, Microbiology, Parasitology, Embryology, and the ever favorite Pathology, then i'm sure you've met this one hero of mine.

i want you to meet Mang Rakel, or "Dok Rakel" as we fondly call him.

Mang Rakel was actually the first person who taught me how to get comfortable with the microscope again. yes, i was a bit clumsy just getting off a four-year hiatus from any scholarly work and i did get scolded a lot by this man, but he is one of my heroes.

in one of the rare conversations we had, i recall that he started out at Far Eastern University before changing lanes and moving on towards the Fatima College of Medicine.

found him as he was leaving for good.

(l-r: moi, dok rakel, and the photobomber stool)

he may not look much because of his small frame and very hardworking demeanor, but this man has is actually quite accomplished. and there are only few ways to measure a man, one of which is how he has reared his family.

i believe he has supported his children all the way through college because of his job. if i'm not mistaken, Mang Rakel has two medical technologists and one engineer under his belt. 

i'm not really aware of his entire story but his humble and focused persona has been a source of inspiration of mine. sadly though, i met him a few weeks ago as he was just on his way out. he was now retiring with a solid twenty years of service to his name. and unblemished, too, if i may add.

i'm just so glad to have been able to meet this favored man, and hope to bring my anecdotes of him as i journey towards this exciting path of medicine that lies before me.

thank you so much, Mang Rakel! and God bless you perpetually!