Asst. Prof. Freslyn Lim-Saco
To be an instrument of healing, hope, comfort and cure is a nurse’s gift to the world. Nurses come as a ray of sunshine to the sick, a source of hope to the weary. They are an embodiment of selflessness. Their profession is not necessarily lucrative, but what they derive from it – the genuine connection that they are able to establish with people from the conditions that they are in to how life can still be beautiful for them – is among the priceless benefits that make nurses fulfilled.
While many pursue the clinical setting, working in hospitals and healthcare facilities, other nurses have committed themselves to helping develop that exact human resource that both feel and heal the world. Asst. Prof. Freslyn Lim-Saco is one of them.
Freslyn was born on June 1, 1983, the only girl in a brood of four. It was not a surprise that she managed to find herself around her childhood as active and energetic, never one who lost the enthusiasm and fighting spirit in seeing herself through every task and challenge. The environment that she grew up in, in the northern part of La Libertad, coupled with her relationship with her brothers, shaped her resolve in life and prepared her for a career that seeks out a rose in what could be trying times.
Freslyn was a very sociable child. She loved to play with her siblings and neighbors, an experience that developed her people skills over time. Her parents’ guidance, most especially in upholding the values of respect, integrity and compassion to others, contributed to building that pathway for Freslyn to a career that Filipinos are most known and respected for abroad.
Like most children of faculty and staff in Silliman (her father was the manager of the SU Bookstore), Freslyn spent her education years in Silliman University – a “true-blue” – from Elementary until college. Throughout her schooling, she demonstrated empowerment and a sub-conscious pursuit of leveling out the playing field.
Back in high school, she proved to be more than charm and wit. She conquered what was a male-dominated pool of Cadet Army Training (CAT) officers. She was a platoon leader and a no-nonsense CAT officer who claimed her fair share of regard and respect. This leadership trait was well-complemented with a heart for service. She recalls as her most memorable experience going to the city jail to fellowship with inmates – an encounter that ushered her into a realization of a world beyond her comfort zone.
Her personality and the exposure that she had to opportunities that developed further herself and her view of what revolved around her sealed her fate with Nursing as her course when she entered college.
Like how she was early on in her life, Freslyn made a niche for herself through her active participation in extra- and co-curricular activities at the College of Nursing. She was a mainstay in their basketball and softball teams during the Intramurals, and held the pen through her involvement in the College publication, The Nurse – the same publication that she now serves as adviser.
Freslyn’s dynamism back in College was a strong factor in her being accepted into the College a few years after graduation as a member of its faculty. With the demands of the academe and her interest in professional development, she took up and completed in 2011 her degree of MS in Nursing major in Nursing Administration in 2011.
More than the bliss she gets from the kind of work she has right now, Freslyn is a proud mother of seven-month-old Lexa Amelia – God’s gift to her and her husband, Adrian, who is also nurse by profession.
Freslyn sees herself in a positive disposition knowing that she has a family to nurture and source inspiration from. Her life’s mission to continue to instill and mold future nurses to embody empathy and kindness drives her to continue developing herself professionally. Right now, she plans on pursuing doctorate studies, while continuing to serve God through the profession that combines teaching and healing. Her positive aura is, indeed, a reflection of her life’s mantra that puts faith and compassion to the Almighty above anything else.
Describe yourself in 3 words.
Simple. Serene. Selfless.
What is your motto in life?
There is always a way. God will make a way when there seems to be no way.
What makes you laugh?
“Just for Laughs Gags” (TV show) and the “Minions”.
What makes you cry?
Sad movies.
What’s your favorite time of the day and why?
The time to go home from work — that is what I look forward to everyday.
What’s your favorite day of the week and why?
Sunday, because it’s family day and I get to make up for lack of sleep during week nights.
What do you love doing when not working?
Bonding with husband and baby. I also enjoy walking or jogging — and sleeping.
What is your favorite hangout place in the University?
William Barry Thompson Hall or the Breastfeeding Station where I actually breastfeed baby Lexa.
What makes you blush?
Embarrassing moments.
If you were an actor, who would you be?
Supermom Angelina Jolie who is also an advocate for children around the world.
What’s your favorite game growing up?
Kayokok, basketball and softball.
What is your idea of a relaxing day?
A day spent at the beach or simply watching movies with my husband and daughter at home.
What song best describes the YOU and the life you have now?
“I Believe I Can Fly” by R. Kell and “The Call” by Regina Spektor.
What is the first thing you do right after waking up in the morning?
Look at my baby daughter, Lexa Amelia.
What is your idea of a family?
A family sticks together no matter what. Through good times and bad times, they are there for each other and they should be able to rely on each other.
At this point of your life, what for you is your life’s mission?
To help mold young minds and instill virtues of good faith, perseverance, kindness and empathy.
How do you like to be remembered as a teacher?
A cool and an excellent mentor who has empathy, compassion and concern.
