Mr. Shem S. Baguio
“Do unto others what you want others to do unto you.”
This is the mantra that continues to shape the life of one of the friendliest staff members of the College of Nursing. And he has embraced this simple yet powerful adage even long before he knew who Confucius was.
Born in the comforts of his rural hometown located 119 kilometers north of Dumaguete, this happy soul never failed to be of good service to his students, his college and his university for almost eight years now.
Let’s take a quick stroll down memory lane into the life of Mr. Shem S. Baguio.
Being the youngest in a brood of five, Shem was always the “utusan” in the family. But he found delight in being of service even at such a tender age. He took into heart a handful of lifelong lessons his father instilled in him, paving the way for him to value family above anything else.
His childhood years were the happiest, according to Shem. Every day, they would spend hours playing games with his neighbors, and the occasional visit to his cousins made these years even more colorful and worthwhile for him.
Shem graduated from P. Zamora Elementary School and finished his secondary education at St. Francis School La Libertad. These formative years marked his self-discovery, learning more about life and his role in it.
Finding bliss in giving comfort and care to sick people, Shem pursued nursing at Medina College, which he finished in 1990. He ventured in volunteer work as a staff nurse right after passing the board exam at Guihulngan District Hospital. A few months later, he became a regular staff nurse in the same hospital. Despite the demands of work, Shem has never felt more complete and fulfilled than being an instrument of hope and healing to many sick people.
After serving as a staff nurse in Guihulngan for 13 years, he went to Saudi Arabia in search of greener pastures. After 2 years of working abroad, he returned to the Philippines and learned of an opportunity at the College of Nursing. Since then, he has been a part of one of the best colleges in the University who never fails to clinch a 100% passing rate in board exams.
Although a part of him longs to go back to the hospital and serve, Shem already found a home in Silliman University. His desire to continue learning and the gratifying feeling of becoming a mentor to future nurses are the things that generate a smile in his face.
Most of the time people misinterpret the man that he is because he seems to appear strict on the outside. But more than just the stern and hard exterior is a heart that values his family above all. Together with his better half, whom he met in Guihulngan, Shem continued to live a life of love and service even beyond the walls of the College of Nursing.
Describe yourself in three words.
Old-school. happy. service
What is your motto in life?
Be good all the time.
What makes you laugh?
My friends
What makes you cry?
family problems
What’s your favorite time of the day and why?
Dawn – 4am. Because I feel like it’s a brand new day.
What’s your favorite day of the week and why?
Thursday. It’s the day I plan for the weekend.
What do you love doing when not working?
Listen to current issues.
What is your favorite hangout place in the University?
SUCNA Canteen.
What makes you blush?
Seeing old classmates or friends.
If you were an actor, who would you be?
Steven Seagle.
Tell us a fact about yourself.
I have a lot of grey hairs.
What’s your favorite game growing up?
Baseball.
What is your idea of a relaxing day?
Meditation Day.
What one thing would people be interested to know about you?
The way I look differs from the way I work.
What song best describes the YOU and the life you have now?
Classical love songs.
What is the first thing you do right after waking up in the morning?
Pray.
What’s your idea of a family?
People who are united and are close to each other.
At this point of your life, what for you is your life’s mission?
To be of service.
