THE AMERICAN DREAM

Stories like this make you appreciate life more and inspire you to work even harder and learn how to persevere.

Cebuano nurse makes it big in Nevada
By Connie E. Fernandez
Inquirer News Service

CEBU CITY-He used to rummage through the neighborhood trash for whatever could be sold to the nearest "timbangan'' (junk shop) to augment his school allowance. But he does not have to do that now.

He has come a long way--from an urban poor community here to the glittering world of Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, where he was recently named "Nurse of the Year."

Rhigel Tan, 35, the only child of a retired schoolteacher and retired policeman, did not expect to win. His mind went blank when his name was called during the awarding ceremonies on Nov. 13 at the grand ballroom of the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

Although he did not prepare a speech, Tan did not forget the promise he made to himself in case he won. He closed his message to the crowd of 700 that included state officials and medical practitioners with "Thank you ... maraming salamat ... daghang salamat [Many thanks]." (read more of the story here)