MADRID, Spain.
On October 21, the opening of Academic Year 2015-2016 took place at the Leo XIII Residence for post-graduates. Sara Encinas, oncologist, and Paula Somoano, Technical Adviser to the General Secretariat of the Treasury and Financial Policy, shared their experience using the expression attributed to Nelson Mandela, “It always seems impossible until it's done.”
The ceremony was held in the Hall of Paul VI Foundation with large participation of the residents, along with officials of the Foundation, of Pius XII and Father Poveda University Residences. Immaculate Pache and Emma Melgarejo, members of the Governing Council of the Teresian Association, were also in attendance.
During the ceremony a medal of recognition was awarded to Belén Azuara, first resident who was successful in a public competition. She earned a position as Auditor in the Bank of Spain. Sara Ruiz, on behalf of her colleagues, gave a speech. Carmen Aznar, who passed the Administrative Management competitive exam and continues to work toward another public position, was mentioned.
The Leo XIII Residence awards this year were presented by Carmen Concejo, member of the Management Team, the the following residents: Beatriz Burgueño, Fatima Diaz-Big Red, Marta Garcia Jalon, Carmen Toledo, Teresa Ruiz Valdepeñas , and Maria Sansi.
The impossible of today
The Directress of the Residence, Laura Moreno Marrocos, with the cooperation of residents Raquel Martin and Zaida Raventos, explained the meaning of the chosen topic. On the one hand the tenacity of Nelson Mandela to withstand 27 years in prison for standing up to apartheid in his country and reaching the presidency of the Nation years later. And on the other, the problems of today’s world, the solutions of which seem impossible, such as healing certain diseases, hunger and poverty for millions of people; many girls' education in various countries; peace, especially given the current conflict in Syria or Israel, etc.
They mentioned the commitment recently made by representatives of 193 nations at the UN General Assembly, to agree on Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development: "We resolve, between now and 2030, to end poverty and hunger everywhere; to combat inequalities within and among countries; to build peaceful, just and inclusive societies; to protect human rights and promote gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls; and to ensure the lasting protection of the planet and its natural resources."
They wondered if this time it will be possible ... And, with the United Nations, they said: "We may be the first generation to end poverty and the first to address climate change." This is the task of all.
Passion and humanity
Marina Cabellero, opositora al Cuerpo Diplomático fue la encargada de presentar a las ponentes. Pedro Sarmiento, capellán de la Fundación Pablo VI, hizo también una breve semblanza de
Marina Cabellero was responsible for introducing the speakers. Pedro Sarmiento, Chaplain of Paul VI Foundation, also made a brief sketch of each one highlighting their human and humanizing qualities.
Paula Somoano is Technical Advisor of the Secretariat of the Treasury and Financial Policy, which she joined in June 2014. During her university studies and her life in the Colegio Mayor Padre Poveda her concern for people and the depth with which she addressed the topics were remarkable.
Even with her short experience, she shared clearly and even with humor, the aspects valued in her brief trajectory, particularly her personal attitudes to make a career option. According to her testimony, we must perceive a real connection with the task to which we aspire and to have some passion that moves us to respond in the best way possible.
She noted the importance of belief in one’s self-worth and possibilities, the will to persevere and enough self-esteem at the time of a taking a test to convince a board of one’s abilities and knowledge.
Sara Encinas is an oncologist, a specialist in gastrointestinal malignancies, and member of a multidisciplinary team that addresses the comprehensive treatment of patients suffering from cancer of the gastrointestinal area.
Her passion for knowledge of the physiology of the human body led her to study medicine and, as she expressed, she found in Oncology the perfect fusion of the medical, scientific, human and spiritual aspects necessary for the care of her patients.
She underscored the moving experience of feeling the trust of people under her care and how they invite her to engage with them. There is a need to work with passion and collaborate with all the people we work with in equality and respect. She conveyed with sweetness and sensitivity her medical practice.
Premiere and musical notes
In February the POVEDA film, based on moments of the life of St. Pedro Poveda, will probably be released. As a premiere a promotional trailer was screened for two minutes.
Sanza Dorleta Olaizola, post-graduate and member of Donostiarra Choir and the Choir of the University of Pamplona, played a brief selection of movie themes on the piano.
The present
Leo XIII Residence has started its fourth year, strengthening its identity as a study center, where a serious climate and conditions for study, respect, and fellowship are established.
Currently 78 post-graduates are engaged in their masters, medical residency, pharmacy, psychology, and nursing programs.
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