BRINGING SUNSHINE TO FLORIDA

by Roger Pe
Philippine Daily Inquirer
July 12, 2015 issue

Working abroad was never part of Rowena Chio-Uy’s plan. She was happily married and living comfortably in the Philippines. Undecided on what to do after finishing college in Cebu, she went to the United States paid for by her parents. The vacation would change her life and make her eventually live in a foreign country.

Upon arriving in America, Uy would learn from her cousin and classmates that Occupational Therapy graduates were very much in demand in Florida. Being a retiree’s paradise, she was told that the state was perfect for those who have license to practice.

When she returned to the Philippines, she decided to enrol in an OT course. Her burning reason: it was time to think about the future, for his son who was only one-year old then (now a budding junior football player) and her forthcoming children.

A little background on what Occupational Therapy is: It is helping people overcome the effects of aging, physical or psychological disability. In the U.S., the profession allows big career opportunities to practitioners.

OT requires a tremendous amount of patience, compassion and determination. “It is a tough job because you have to lead people to live their life back and give them a new sense of purpose. But it is easy for those with a natural interest in caring for people,” Uy says.

Occupational Therapists work in hospitals and various health care settings or they visit patients in their homes. They design individual and group programs to enhance clients’ independence in everyday activities, like helping them recover their motor skills and make them learn do the same things again (dress by themselves, cook, use a computer, write, and do many different activities) with one goal - rebuild their confidence, as well as their self esteem in social situations.

When she has mustered enough courage, Uy talked to her parents and husband about her plan. She told them she wanted to know what America could offer to her family. “I wanted to give it a try. If we don’t like it, we can always go home anytime,” she recalls telling them with determination.

And so, all of them agreed and gave her all-out support. She attended review classes in Manila and took four tough exams consecutively. The process was long, tiring and expensive. It took her one full year to finish her course.

Uy’s leap of faith transported her to her American dream. Fast forward today, she works as a full time licensed Occupational Therapist in a Skilled Nursing Facility. She also has a second job, doing Home Health work to earn extra income, the latter, one of Florida’s highest paying jobs.

Last April, she was chosen as “Employee of the Month” at the facility she works with, given a bonus, a free lunch to celebrate the occasion and special parking privileges for one whole month. They may seem small but it meant the world for her – she was making a difference in the lives of her patients.

Working in a geriatric home is emotionally rewarding for Uy. “Most elderly people I deal with are alone, lonely and depressed. They have children who have left them, who are now busy with their own lives, families and career or living far away in another state,” she says. But it is a pleasure for Uy because she considers them already part of her family. A people-pleaser that she is, she feels very much accomplished knowing that she is able to put a smile on their faces and makes them happy.

Daily challenges

Uy seems perfect for her job. Always wearing a smile she tries to be optimistic as much as possible, constantly demonstrating a positive attitude whoever she meets. “I always want a happy environment. I am a sensitive person and can be moved easily. It’s very difficult for me to say “no” to anything,” she says.

She even has a positive attitude about discrimination. For her, it is an experience people can learn many lessons from no matter how serious. She always tries to be nice and helpful to everybody no matter what the situation is.

“There are, however, people who take advantage of other people’s kindness,” she says. “They interpret it as a sign of weakness. They would try intimidation by making you feel they are more superior. Being humble, sadly, doesn’t work all the time. Sometimes, you have to let them see your strong side, to prove that you worked hard to get where you are right now,” she says.

Uy takes pride in other Filipinos she works with in the facility. “We help each other out, even if we work in different departments,” she says. Global Pinoy asks who the real Uy is, here’s what she says: “That is difficult to answer. I would rather people who have worked with me answer that.” Here’s reprinting what they say about Uy:

Co-worker (Sandie): “I find you to be uplifting, intelligent, and strong. You derive your strength from your faith, family and friends. In your work, you help you patients find their strength as they are recovering from their illness or injuries. You have a calming presence and a special talent for making people smile even though facing tough time.”

A Resident Patient (Angie): “You are very patient and very helpful. You go above and beyond with residents.”

From a Boss: “You are an asset to the therapy team. You are flexible and adapt to changing situations throughout the workday while maintaining a positive attitude. You make patient care a top priority.”

Living in America

Being planted into the American culture is not exactly big deal for Uy. “We are used to this kind of life. If there’s one word to describe it, it would be “routine” - from work, to bringing the kids to school, getting them into sports, to just about anything,” she says.

Holidays and weekends mean “household chores” for Uy, it is not about rest. She has no “yaya” and thinks she doesn’t have enough time for herself. “Filipinos should value having household help. With them, you can focus on your work, do other important things and spend more quality time with the kids.”

Working in America gives Uy space to become more independent and provides her privileges to grow her profession. “I think I want to work here while I’m young and there are opportunities. My long term goal is to go back to my home country to retire,” she relates.
Uy was born in Quezon City but grew up in Cotabato City. She and her husband Peter studied in a Chinese school from kindergarten to high school. Her family moved from Cotabato to Davao when peace and order in the city were getting worse and making them unnecessarily anxious. “We cannot live a normal life in Cotabato. Hearing gunshots even in the city was normal and our friends and relatives were being kidnapped,” she relates a sad story.

Her parents strived to give her and her two other siblings a good life. “We grew up seeing their struggles and eventual successes, strengthening our faith,” she relates. Prior to her work in the U.S., Uy took the Philippine Board (though not a pre-requisite to work in US) exam, TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language-written), TSE (Test of Spoken English) and the state board-NBCOT (National Board for Certification in OT).

She took internships in various hospitals, clinics and a number of schools. She trained in Philippine General Hospital, volunteered in a charity organization and worked in Mind Works Therapy and home health clinics to toughen up her work experience.

Her support system in the U.S. comes from her family, relatives, former college classmates and Pinoy friends of people related to her. Like every Filipino, she misses Filipino food, having laughter with friends and get-together with relatives. “I miss Holy Week, observance of All-Saints Day and Christmas celebration in my homeland. Indeed, it’s more fun in the Philippines,” she says.

Every time patients would ask her about her nationality, Uy would always proudly answer with a warm smile: “I am Filipino.”

What would she advise Filipinos who’d want to do the same work in the U.S.? She mentions her philosophy in life: “Always be teachable and humble. Never stop searching for knowledge because there is always something new to learn. Always add sincerity to what you are doing. Being dedicated in helping your patients will make a difference.”

Uy is proud to be an Occupational Therapist. For her, it is a fulfilling career because of the way it helps many people overcome difficulties at certain point of their lives. She says, just as America needs OTs, the Philippines also needs them, specifically, pediatric OT for special children.

Awareness for OTs among Filipinos has been increasing steadily. According to a migration of health workers country case study made by the U.P. Institute for Health Policy and Development, the U.S. is a preferred destination country for all categories of health workers because of the following: Better working conditions, professional development opportunities, advanced technology, facilities and equipment and high opportunity for family migration and citizenship.