LADY OF THE MONTH – JOCHEGEN “JAYGI” DIZON CARAOS – Ladies who online

A Filipina nurse in Dubai has been tugging my heartstrings with her courage and dedication. I’ve become so drawn with Jochegen’s selfless acts that I can’t help but feel like a proud sister, even though we’ve never personally met. Through this trying time, healthcare workers like her show what an extraordinary and invaluable treasure she is. Indeed, real heroes wear scrubs.

A WOMAN WITH BIG DREAMS

Jochegen, also known as Jaygi, is a DHA Registered Nurse. She’s also the CEO and Founder of Joy & Devotion in Caring Charity (JDC), Inc. She grew up with her grandparents and was also raised in a God-fearing and loving family (sister to one sibling, and a daughter to a firefighter and housewife).

She graduated with a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree in 2012 at San Juan de Dios Educational Foundation Inc. College, and passed the national licensure examination the same year. While working as an ICU nurse in Bautista Hospital, she took her master’s degree in Nursing (majoring in Administration and Management at Philippine Women’s University) and graduated in 2015.

At 21, she became the proud founder of a local charity in the Philippines. She shared, “being a leader throughout my academic life was one of the factors why I founded JDC. Leading, helping, and caring for people have always been my passion. It always has, and always will be. I thought it would be impossible to have JDC. And I kept asking myself questions like how will I handle the charity? Where will I get financing? How will I make it a legal one? Who will help me? How am I supposed to manage all these things? I was still young, so I doubted myself.”

But inspiration came to her through a quote, and it pushed her to move forward. The Indian business tycoon Azim Premji once said that “success is achieved twice. Once in the mind and the second time in the real world.” Jaygi believed that there are no walls she can’t overcome. True enough, she was able to make what seemed impossible, possible. Hence, JDC was born. “I don’t mind taking risks. I have this habit of learning everything through trial and error. I have made countless mistakes before achieving anything. And it’s through these experiences that I appreciate winning life’s battles even more,” she added.

OF SACRIFICES AND TRIUMPHS

Jaygi wanted to achieve more for herself and her family, so the thought of working abroad enticed her. “Let’s face it! I barely managed to make ends meet, given my salary as a nurse in the Philippines. And working abroad gave me the idea of earning a higher salary while getting better benefits. With my familial responsibility, I felt like I had to try my luck. Thanks to that one-way ticket I bought, I’m finally here in the UAE, living my life in a place that I call my second home,” she shared. It’s been five years since she’s made that big leap.

However, her move abroad made her leave JDC behind. “I had to leave the only thing that made me happy. I loved it despite the sleepless nights and empty pockets. But here’s a big thank you to all the JDC volunteers. I was under the impression that helping others is the greatest thing that I can do. I realized that helping them help others was the real thing. Even if I’m miles away, my heart will always be with JDC,” she shared.

WORK-LIFE BALANCE

She is a busy-bee as she’s always doing something. But she never forgets to take a moment for herself. She shared, “I am an extrovert. I feel more tired just by staying home. That’s why I always find time to treat myself outside. It’s not in an extravagant way, of course. A visit to any specialty cafe to have a cup of good coffee or two, read books, and edit my Youtube vlogs, does the trick. Also, every Friday, I make sure to go to church and give thanks to the Lord with the whole family. It’s a time where I get to spend the entire day with them.”

SUCCESS HABITS

She is a success in her own right, and she knows that. Despite the good and bad occurrences in life, Jaygi continues to stay grateful for everything. “I am thankful for the things that have made me successful. But I am also thankful for the obstacles that taught me a lot of great lessons in life.”

WORDS OF WISDOM

Jaygi wants the next generation of young women to succeed in the workplace or business, and she imparts some great advice for all the ladies who are dreamers and achievers like her. “Always remember the 3 G’s. Always put GOD first, set a GOAL, and be GRATEFUL. Most importantly, always believe in yourself.”

A TRUE INSPIRATION

Jaygi is currently part of the COVID-19 Medical Response Team assigned at ADNEC Field Hospital in Abu Dhabi.

“I believe that being a front liner during this pandemic is not by chance. This is one of those times when I’m needed to step up and fulfill my duty as a nurse. Nurses save lives. I’m thankful that I am capable of helping a lot of people who are suffering from this present situation. I was afraid at first, thinking that there’s a high possibility that I might contract the virus as well. But I know in my heart that this is where I’m supposed to be. This is where I’m needed the most. Caring for the sick has always been my passion, and seeing my patients recover means everything to me as a nurse. I would love to be a part of the team until that one last patient survives COVID-19.”

Let’s keep praying for healthcare workers like Jaygi who continue to show up to work, so they can continue to care and provide for the sick. Let’s show them how proud and grateful we are of them by staying home and flattening the curve. In God’s name, we will get through this!