THE GOLDEN GIRL

There comes a time in your life when you realize that if you stand still, you will remain at this point forever.You realize that if you fall and stay down, life will pass you by. There are life circumstances beyond our mean and imagination that led you to a different direction, yet if you had never put any effort into choosing a path or tried to carry out your dream, then perhaps you would have had no direction at all.

My husband had just turned 50 last year. My youngest son turned 15.And my eldest turned 24. As for me, I became a bona fide golden girl last 27th of October 2009. Fifty years have now passed. In a way, it seems a bit hard to believe. Where was I?

1959 – I was born in Lupon, Davao Oriental. I have six brothers. May parents are both Dentist.

1969 – I grew up in Bicol region. I graduated elementary in Immaculate Conception Academy

1979- I graduated Nursing in Olivarez College and continued my education in UE College of Dentistry. I am a registered Nurse and Dentist at the age of 24.

1989- Working in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia as dental nurse.

1999- Working in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia as registered Dentist and continued to have post-graduate courses in the field of Orthodontics.

2009 – still working in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia as Dentist cum Manager and continued further my studies in the field of Cosmetic Dentistry. Just last November, I left to University of Minnesota to take a post -graduate program in Esthetic Dentistry. But the best thing that happened to me last year was when my eldest son Edgie finished his BA in Multi Media.

I spent quarter of my life in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This is where I grew up professionally. I started as Dental Nurse but when my employer knew that i have two degrees (RN/DMD) he encouraged me to further my studies in the field of Orthodontics and became a registered GP with specialty in the field of Orthodontics. I took all available post-graduate courses in the Middle East, Germany, USA and Asia. I didn’t stopped learning. For me, continuing education is a must rather than be a mere decoration on the wall. My golden year approached so fast and I dont see any reason to stop. I will continue to age gracefully and learn indefinitely, Success is the act of trying to improve upon things you are already doing.

Looking back, getting to where I am today is not an easy task; it is the hardship of the journey that makes the arrival worth waiting. Personal success involves not where I am today but from where I started. And I cannot measure my success alone without sharing it to the people who stuck it out with me through thick and thin. My parents, specially my father, who believes that nursing course will take you anywhere. As I have learned through the years, however, whatever course you have, your will and determination will take you anywhere.

My brothers, my husband,my children and my mentor(Dr. Safwat Wazani), were the ones who always believe in my capabilities. And my friends who are always there for me. Lastly, I am ever thankful that my faith has gotten me into places.

As I celebrate my golden years with my TFCK (Teens Fun Club with kids) family- a charitable organization I founded in 2001,inspired by my youngest son Kevin,consisting of boys and girls aged 8-16 years old, enhancing their creativity through arts, dancing, singing and public speaking.I will continue to look forward to my life after the first 50. I like to see them succesful on their own chosen field.

Join me in cheering on my golden years as daughter, sister,wife,mother and a career woman who turns 50, looks like 35, feels like 25 and sometimes acts like 18. Hurray!♦♦♦ 🙂

DR. MYRIAM SUAREZ is a registered Cosmetic Dentist in Al Emam Dental Polyclinic, Jeddah KSA. She recently done her post-graduate program in Esthetic Dentistry at University of Minnesota,Mn USA.(April 2010)

A member of American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry(AACD),American Dental Assoc. (ADA) Saudi Dental Society (SDS), Philippine Dental Assoc.(PDA)