J. Valdes
I was born in the Philippines on November 2, 1979 and moved to Daly City at the age of five. I am one of the middle children in my family consisting of four children. I graduated from El Camino High School in 1998. As far back as I can remember I have always dreamt about working in the medical field. Playing doctor and patching up wounds were all part of my daily childhood activities.
Some people believe that they have a calling to do something that will somehow give back to humanity. For me, helping someone live by applying my skills, knowledge, and compassion in a genuinely sincere way, allows me to feel like I’ve accomplished my humanitarian deed. Although initially wanting to be a registered nurse, the impacted programs made it almost impossible for me to pursue that goal. It wasn’t until my father suffered a stroke that I really understood what Respiratory Therapists do. They save lives. And that’s what they gave my father, life. I am at an exciting point in my life right now. In addition to being a starving college student working part-time to make ends meet, I am also on my way to fulfilling, what I believe, I was destined to do.