Before Our Dream Came True
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Joel Jong, May & Krysha Clemente’s family portrait in San Jose Del Monte City, Bulacan, Philippines.
However, after passing the exam, challenges and hardships soon followed. I struggled for many years to pass the Test of Spoken English (TSE) because of my speech defects. For ten long years, and at the cost of several thousand dollars, I continued trying to pass the test. The journey left my family and me extremely disappointed at times, and it also placed me in considerable debt.
Even before coming to the United States, my family and I nearly gave up on our dream because of the many requirements from the U.S. Embassy and the endless documents we had to submit in the Philippines. We also had to travel long distances by bus from San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan to Ermita, Manila for various requirements—from medical examinations to document submissions and eventually the interview with the U.S. Consul General.
Despite these obstacles, my family and I chose to keep pursuing our dream. After eventually passing the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), we finally moved to the United States in 2006, settling in Springfield, Massachusetts. I remain grateful to my employer, Genesis Healthcare, for recruiting me and believing in my skills, knowledge, and attitude to help make life more meaningful and colorful for our patients in Agawam, Massachusetts.
The Clemente’s humbling beginnings in Springfield, Massachusetts.
Just when we thought our fight and struggles were over, we realized that our journey was far from finished. Our first few months in the Bay State were not a walk in the park. We had to start from scratch—no home of our own, no car, and no job security. I still needed to take and pass the state licensure examination to become a Registered Nurse. Through prayer and our strong faith in God, I faced the exam and eventually passed it with flying colors.
Later, we moved to McKinney, Texas, and made the Lone Star State our second home away from home.
Looking back after nearly twenty years in America, our family feels truly blessed, grateful, and thankful for all the blessings and graces we have received from the Almighty God. Today, all of us are front-liners working in rehabilitation specialties in different facilities, clinics, and hospitals. Despite our new life, we have never forgotten our roots. The experiences we went through taught us valuable lessons in faith, hope, and love for God and country.
For our part, we continue to give back to the community for the many blessings the Lord has given us. We serve through various community and church activities, as well as through Filipino American organizations in North Texas such as the Knights of Columbus, the Philippine Nurses Association of North Texas–Dallas, and the Filipino Leaders Coalition of North Texas.
Team Clemente at the PNA North Texas -Dallas event.
Our family is also active in enriching our spiritual life through the Couples for Christ community. In addition, we try to help those in need back in ’Pinas, particularly by supporting the nursing education of our two nephews in Zamboanga City, and by providing assistance during emergencies, health crises, calamities, and disasters.
Our family’s hardships have become a source of inspiration for us. They remind us never to give up and to persevere through life’s many trials. Above all, we offer whatever success we have achieved to Divine Providence through devoted service to God and others.
Just when we thought our fight and struggles were over, we realized that our journey was far from finished.
Our heartfelt gratitude goes to both the Cabuenas and Clemente clans, as well as to the many individuals and groups who supported us along the way. They are part of the reason we are where we are today—a family on a mission, united with God and committed to serving society.
Indeed, our mantra remains: Life is a journey full of endless possibilities. Live it to the fullest for God’s greater glory and honor. This belief continues to guide us as a simple and humble family rooted in Christ—always and forever.
Joel Jong Clemente is a registered nurse based in McKinney, Texas. He is a freelance writer and the author of two books: The Story of a Prudent Nurse and Our Journey.
