For some, becoming a nurse in the United States is a goal.
For Arence, it was a dream more than 20 years in the making.
As his contract with MedPro begins to come to a close, his story is a powerful reflection of what it truly means to pursue opportunity, take risks, and build a future across borders.
A Calling Rooted in Connection
Arence’s journey into healthcare didn’t start with logistics or career planning, but it started with people.
“I’ve always loved interacting with people,” he shares. “And I felt that a career in healthcare would take it up a notch.”
For him, nursing wasn’t just about clinical care. It was about building deeper connections and advocating for others during some of the most vulnerable moments in their lives.
That sense of purpose would become the foundation for everything that followed.
A Life of Exploration, and a Search for Home
Before coming to the United States, Arence had already lived a life many would consider adventurous.
Originally from the Philippines, he spent nearly a decade in Dubai, where he worked in a corporate setting and took advantage of the opportunity to travel the world.
“Life before going to the U.S. was exciting,” he says. “I’ve always loved to travel and explore.”
But despite the experiences, something was missing.
“At the end of the day, I’ve always yearned to have a place that would eventually accept me as one of their own… a place where your hard work bears a proportional amount of fruition — a place where you can actually build and call home.”
That search for belonging ultimately led him back to nursing and back to his long-held goal of working in the United States.
Starting Over and Stepping Outside His Comfort Zone
Arence’s path to the U.S. wasn’t linear.
In fact, one of his biggest challenges was making the decision to start over.
After years in a corporate role, he returned to the Philippines to re-enter the nursing profession, which was a transition that came with both professional and emotional hurdles.
“Everything, though familiar, seemed new to me,” he explains. The shift was stark.
“In the corporate world, you see people at their best. In nursing, you meet people at their most vulnerable and weakest. It was overwhelming at first… heartbreaking at times.”
On top of that, he faced another difficult reality: being away from his wife, family, and friends while pursuing his goal.
But even in those moments, he kept moving forward.
What Kept Him Going
When asked what kept him motivated through the challenges, Arence’s answer is simple but powerful:
“The dream for a better future and the reality that it was within reach.”
That belief carried him through uncertainty, sacrifice, and moments where giving up may have seemed easier.
The First Day and a New Beginning
After years of preparation, the moment finally came.
Arence arrived in the United States in 2023, two decades after first beginning his journey.
His first day on the job?
“It was fun,” he says. “I was nervous at first… but the unit I was assigned to had the greatest, kindest, most helpful people one can ask for.”
That support made all the difference.
What could have been overwhelming instead became a smooth and welcoming transition — something many MedPro Explorers experience as they step into their new roles.
A Life Transformed
Since arriving in the U.S., Arence describes a shift not just in his career—but in his sense of control over his own future.
“Personally and professionally, I felt like I was more in control of my destiny,” he says.
He speaks about something many take for granted, but that holds deep meaning for him:
“Freedom in the USA is not something you experience elsewhere in the world. The freedom to choose and the freedom to be what you want to be.”
That freedom has allowed him to shape his own path, supported by the opportunities around him.
A Moment of Pride
Out of everything he has accomplished, one moment stands above the rest. “That I actually made it here,” he said.
His journey began in 2003 when he started his nursing degree. It became a reality in 2023. A 20-year path filled with challenges, setbacks, and perseverance.
“It was a very long journey… to the point that I almost gave up on the thought.” But he didn’t. “And yeah,” he says, “I made it, and I’m making the most out of it.”
More Than a Personal Achievement
For Arence, this milestone is bigger than himself.
“This achievement means a lot to me and my family,” he shares. “It has opened doors of myriad opportunities and possibilities.”
It also carries a deep personal meaning.
“My grandfather dreamed this for me too… though he passed before I was able to do it. Nevertheless, I know he is proud.
One Word: Exhilarating
When asked to describe his journey in a single word, Arence doesn’t hesitate:
“Exhilarating.”
For him, this journey wasn’t just about reaching a destination, but it was about everything it took to get there.
Arence’s story is just one of many but it reflects something consistent across the MedPro Explorer experience: Support. Opportunity. Transformation.
From the first step to the final milestone, MedPro is committed to helping clinicians not only reach the U.S. but succeed once they’re here, because behind every placement is a story.
And behind every story is a dream worth pursuing.