May 7, 2025
Tzu Chi’s caregiving program helped this scholar pursue his healthcare dream
By Dorothy Castro
For many, choosing the medical field goes beyond profession–it is their source of strength throughout many trials and moments of doubt.
James Llenos did not let any form of rejection deter him from reaching his goals. To him, rejection was simply redirection.
Aspiring to be in the medical field, Llenos was among the hundreds pursuing a nursing degree at Our Lady of Fatima University (OLFU). He had a clear vision of what he aimed to do: to graduate nursing, and set off to become a doctor.
However, this was not a simple decision. Llenos knew the struggles his family faced, making his dream nearly impossible to achieve.
Studying medicine is expensive, so Llenos and his family took out loans to fund his education. But it was not that simple. His father Carlos, who was once a company driver, could not continue his work during the COVID-19 pandemic. Reliant on their simple family business selling snacks, they could only provide for their daily needs and could barely pay off their debts.
Knowing that his family could not take on another debt, Llenos looked for nursing scholarships to ease his financial burden. However, the opportunity never came.
Understanding his family’s situation, Llenos decided to quit nursing school. He went on to continue their small family business, preparing snacks like turon (banana spring rolls) among others, to cover their daily needs. Even then, as he spent his days earning money, he did not let his dream slip away.
“It was sad, but I learned to accept it. I had a plan, to save up for my future, so that I can study nursing again; I will not set this dream aside,” Llenos said.
When Tzu Chi Philippines presented a chance for him to continue his dream, he did not think twice before applying.
Here, he gained his second chance at his dreams, eventually becoming an on-the-job trainee at the La Verna Aged Care Institute Inc.
Within a few weeks, Llenos developed an affinity for the elderly he worked with. This effort did not go unnoticed in the eyes of his supervisors and mentors.
For Aiza Lagon, a staff nurse at La Verna, Tzu Chi scholars’ willingness to learn made a big difference. “They are learning while they also help us, and as a nurse, it is a privilege to be able to share my knowledge and experiences to our trainees,” she said. Throughout their month-long training under Lagon’s guidance, Llenos and his fellow scholars learned about the clinical aspects of caregiving.
“[Tzu Chi’s] students are number one in terms of being well-disciplined,” says Nancy Valenzuela, team leader and trainer. She observed how the scholars created close bonds with their patients.
For Llenos, this was made possible through their weekly Humanity classes, where he learned how to connect better with people. This helped him become a person with greater understanding and compassion especially for the elderly, which he believes is vital in patient care.
Llenos was overcome with gratitude as he completed his training. For him, Tzu Chi became a way for him to continue his path in the medical field, despite the challenges he faced.
His mother Veronica could not be any more proud. She cried upon realizing how far her son has gotten in life. Her only wish is that he is able to continue his dreams.
When asked to share a piece of advice for future caregivers, he only had one thing in mind: “Be humane; no matter how confident you are, be humane and never step on others,” he said with conviction.
Truly, for Llenos, becoming a Tzu Chi scholar was not only a redirection, but a declaration of purpose: a heart dedicated to serving others.
In November 2024, James Llenos (first from right) began his scholarship journey at Tzu Chi as an aspiring caregiver.
James Llenos (first from left) and fellow caregiving scholars pose with their certificates, Tzu Chi volunteers, and a representative from the Lao Foundation in a simple awarding ceremony in November 2024.
During his caregiving lessons, James Llenos practices what he learned using Tzu Chi’s tools and facilities.
At home, James Llenos helps his mother Veronica (left) run their small business selling snacks.
James Llenos’ graduation photo is proudly displayed in his home.
During his free time, James Llenos manages his family’s small snack business.
This year, La Verna Aged Care Institute Inc. took in its third batch of caregiving scholars from Tzu Chi.
On-the-job training at La Verna Aged Care Institute Inc. allowed James Llenos and other Tzu Chi scholars to apply their knowledge and skills on actual patients.
On-the-job training at La Verna Aged Care Institute Inc. allowed James Llenos and other Tzu Chi scholars to apply their knowledge and skills on actual patients.
Tzu Chi’s Humanity classes helped James Llenos develop compassion and affinity to the elderly.
James Llenos’ fellow caregiving scholars take on responsibilities in the caregiving facilities, such as checking the patients’ vital signs.
Another Tzu Chi caregiving student helps keep the areas clean.
![“I wish the [scholars] luck with their goals, and I hope that through this experience, you learned a lot. Thank you for choosing La Verna as part of your training,” said Aiza Lagon, nurse at La Verna Aged Care and Dementia Village.](/assets/news-page/images/13-v48.jpg)
“I wish the [scholars] luck with their goals, and I hope that through this experience, you learned a lot. Thank you for choosing La Verna as part of your training,” said Aiza Lagon, nurse at La Verna Aged Care and Dementia Village.
“I hope you will continue to gather more scholars so that we can help our fellow countrymen who really can't study and I hope they can also get a good job,” said Nancy Valenzuela, staff nurse at La Verna Aged Care and Dementia Village.
Tzu Chi caregiving scholars Marinel Acerden, Jenelyn Militar, James Llenos, Melissa Pederre, and Melissa Cayabyab (from left to right) pose for a memorable photo, marking an end to their meaningful on the job training.