As the proud daughter of two hardworking immigrants from Vietnam, I carry the resilience and determination that shaped my family’s journey to the United States. My mother’s family fled Vietnam by boat, enduring weeks at sea with scarce food before seeking asylum in a Thai refugee camp and eventually resettling in America. They arrived with nothing but hope for a better future. Growing up, I witnessed my parents’ sacrifices as they navigated the challenges of a new country, learning a foreign language, and working tirelessly to provide for our family. Their experiences instilled in me a deep commitment to service and advocacy for those who face systemic barriers—values that have shaped my journey toward becoming a physician assistant (PA). My passion for the PA profession is rooted in personal and professional experiences. In 2019, my father was diagnosed with thyroid cancer and later stage 4 lung cancer. Watching him navigate a complex healthcare system as a non-English speaker was a defining moment in my life. His PA became a beacon of hope for our family, explaining his condition in simple terms, using a whiteboard to break down complex medical jargon, and showing immense patience and compassion. This inspired me to pursue a career where I could serve as an advocate for others, particularly those from underserved communities. As a first-generation college student, I sought opportunities to make a difference through service and advocacy. At Rutgers University-Camden, I lead “Caring for Camden,” a student organization focused on addressing the needs of underserved populations. My peers and I organize hygiene, clothing, and food drives and prepare meals for over 100 home-insecure individuals monthly. These experiences taught me the power of compassion and community in addressing inequities. I also co-founded “The Period Poverty Project,” which raises over 1,200 donations of menstrual products each semester to support young women in Camden, NJ. These efforts reinforce my commitment to improving health equity and addressing social determinants of health. My clinical experiences have further solidified my dedication to providing patient-centered care. As a volunteer in the emergency department at Virtua Hospital, I spent time with admitted patients, offering comfort during their most vulnerable moments. As a medical assistant, pharmacy technician, and emergency medical responder, I continue gaining essential clinical skills to prepare me as a future clinician. During my medical mission trip to Guatemala in 2024, I provided basic health services to over 100 women in rural communities and constructed cooking stoves to improve respiratory health. Witnessing the gratitude of my patients despite language and cultural barriers strengthened my resolve to pursue a career as a PA. I aim to expand my impact through street medicine and community-based healthcare initiatives as a PA. Inspired by my leadership in “Caring for Camden” and models like the USC Street Medicine program, I envision establishing mobile healthcare units to serve unhoused populations in cities like Camden, NJ. These units would provide primary care, preventive services, and social support while fostering trust and addressing systemic barriers to healthcare access. As a PA, I will advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion within the healthcare system. My membership in the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) has exposed me to the importance of policy advocacy in shaping the profession and addressing healthcare disparities. I will use my platform to promote culturally competent care and mentor aspiring PAs from underrepresented backgrounds. Guided by resilience, compassion, and service, I aim to combine my experiences with education and training to make a lasting impact as a PA—advocating for those without a voice, breaking down barriers to care, and ensuring every patient feels valued.