When my grandmother would ask me why I am crying, I struggle to find the words in Vietnamese. I attempted to google “mental illness”, “depression” and “anxiety” but the closest word I could find was “bệnh tâm thần” which translates to “madness”. However, there was nothing maddening about the feelings I experienced. Mental illness, for me, has always been a quiet battle—often, dismissed and misunderstood in my Vietnamese immigrant household. Growing up, spoken emotions were met with pragmatism: “Stop crying and be grateful because there are children in Vietnam who are starving.” Gratitude was expected, and sadness equated to weakness or ingratitude. Because of this, I felt immense guilt for my feelings. As a first-generation college student and now a medical student, I have carried the weight of invisible expectations: to succeed, to represent my family’s sacrifices, and to never complain. I felt an unadulterated pressure to achieve but lacked the emotional support to cope with the toll it took on me. My silent struggles with mental health escalated until they manifested physically as balding, insomnia, and chronic acid reflux. I didn’t have the language to articulate what I was going through to my family and the idea of seeking therapy felt foreign and shameful. Moreover, these emotions and symptoms felt like a perceived sign that I couldn’t handle hardships. It wasn’t until I confided in my aunt that I realized I wasn’t alone. She shared that she, too, had battled depression since childhood and had been receiving treatment for years. What my family had always jokingly referred to as her “crazy pills” were medications that had helped her significantly manage her symptoms—but even she felt ashamed for needing them despite years taken to understanding her condition and even training as a pharmacist. This conversation gave permission to name what I was feeling and begin seeking help. My medical school curriculum emphasized mental wellness in ways I had never experienced before. We attended lectures and workshops on managing stress, burnout, and emotional resilience. These sessions were deeply uncomfortable at first, but they gave me the courage to seek help. I began attending therapy and seeing a psychiatrist. It has been transformative. Therapy saved my life, my relationships, and my ability to be present in my studies. I’ve learned to manage the guilt of not always being productive, and I’ve started to embrace hobbies and rest as necessary parts of healing. These experiences have not only reshaped how I view mental health but also how I understand my identity and purpose. I’ve come to believe that mental health is just as vital as physical health, especially in communities where it is still heavily stigmatized. This belief has shaped both my personal values and professional goals. Currently, as a third year medical student, I am a part of the Stanford CARE Scholars Research Program, working with the SMHART Clinic—an interdisciplinary, culturally informed mental health clinic that serves Asian individuals and their families. This clinic addresses cultural dynamics such as intergenerational trauma, racism, acculturation stress, and family conflict which can influence mental health. Under the mentorship of psychiatrists and psychologists, I am learning how these factors uniquely affect communities like my own, and how mental health care can and must be tailored to meet people where they are—culturally, emotionally, and linguistically. These lessons have deepened my commitment to becoming a family physician. I hope to bring culturally responsive mental health care into primary care settings, especially for underserved immigrant communities. I want to be the kind of doctor who not only treats physical symptoms but also recognizes the emotional burdens patients carry—especially those who, like me, come from families where mental health was never discussed yet may be exacerbating their physical ailments. My own journey has shown me how powerful it is to be heard and seen. As a physician, I hope to offer that to others. I want to create a clinical environment where my patients, regardless of background, feel safe to talk about their mental health without fear or shame. And I want to be part of the larger movement to destigmatize mental illness in communities of color—starting with my own. Mental health is not madness. It is human. And it deserves compassion, care, and most importantly, cultural understanding. My experience with mental illness has shaped every part of who I am: my beliefs about resilience and healing, my relationships with those I love, and my aspirations for the kind of physician I hope to become.

When my grandmother would ask me why I am crying, I struggle to find the words in Vietnamese. I attempted to google “mental illness”, “depression” and “anxiety” but the closest word I could find was bệnh tâm thần which translates to “madness”. However, there was nothing maddening about the feelings I experienced. Rather, mental illness is a silent battle that was never discussed in my Vietnamese immigrant household. Growing up, my mother often told me to stop crying, reminding me how fortunate I was compared to children in Vietnam who lacked food or opportunities. This dismissal left me feeling guilty for my emotions, and for many years, I internalized the belief that my suffering was unjustified. As a first-generation college graduate and now a medical student, I’ve often found myself overwhelmed by feelings of self-doubt, stress, and inadequacy. These emotions became unmanageable, especially since I had experienced this intensity during high school and my undergraduate career yet never learned how to cope with them in a healthy way. Therapy felt foreign, and I couldn’t turn to my family for support. Eventually, the mental strain began manifesting physically—I developed insomnia, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and even started losing my hair. It wasn’t until my dedicated study period for Step 1 during my second year of medical school that I finally found the courage to seek professional help. Mental wellness is a heavy emphasis of my medical education, with monthly lectures and workshops emphasizing the importance of recognizing and managing our stress. Initially, it was uncomfortable to engage with these resources, but over time, they gave me the courage to seek help. I began seeing the school therapist and a psychiatrist. That decision transformed my life. I was finally able to name my experiences: depression, anxiety, ADHD, and sleep apnea. This clarity improved my health, strengthened my relationships, and empowered me academically. I learned to let go of the guilt around “not studying enough” and to make space for rest, hobbies, and self-compassion. Now, as a third-year medical student, I actively pursue extracurricular and research opportunities that not only support my own well-being but also equip me to be a more compassionate and culturally sensitive physician—especially for patients who, like me, may struggle in silence. One of the most meaningful experiences on this journey has been my involvement in the Stanford CARE (Center for Asian Health Research and Education) Scholars Research Program. Through this program, I’ve worked with mental health professionals at the SMHART clinic, a person-centered initiative serving Asian adults and their families. The clinic provides culturally-informed, evidence-based care that addresses challenges like intergenerational trauma, familial conflict, mental health stigma, and acculturation stress. This experience has deepened my understanding of the unique barriers Asian Americans face when seeking mental health care and reaffirmed my commitment to creating safe, affirming spaces where these conversations can happen. Mental illness no longer feels like “madness” to me. It is a deeply human experience. One I now embrace with empathy, clarity, and purpose—and one I strive to help others navigate with dignity as a future physician.

My primary passions to become a medical doctor are rooted in my commitment to mentorship and dedication to diversifying medicine. As a first generation student in a Vietnamese immigrant household, I faced many challenges—navigating life milestones, applications, and stressors without the guidance of resources or mentors. Despite my early determination to become a physician, the lack of support made the journey difficult and isolating. It wasn’t until college, when I became a biology discussion leader, that I found mentors who shared my background and believed in my potential. Their support reaffirmed my desire to pursue medicine and showed me the power of representation. Now, as a current third year medical student at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, I am driven to pay that mentorship forward. I joined the Medical Education Outreach Committee, where I work to ignite the interest of middle and high school students from low socioeconomic and minority backgrounds to see a future in medicine. By sharing my own experiences and guidance, I aim to show them that higher education and careers in healthcare are within reach. I’ve witnessed firsthand how mentorship can change the trajectory of a student’s life, and I want to be that source of encouragement for others. In addition to mentorship, my personal experience with eczema sparked a deep interest in dermatology. Throughout medical school, I’ve actively pursued opportunities to merge this interest with my commitment to health equity. Through the Nevada Cancer Coalition, I educate high school students about sun safety and skin cancer prevention—especially in communities of color, where awareness and early detection are often elusive. As the dermatology manager at the Student Outreach Clinic, I played a pivotal role in organizing specialized clinics aimed at providing free services to underserved and underinsured patients. These clinics offer essential interventions such as skin cancer screenings, biopsies, and mole removals—procedures that would otherwise remain unattainable due to the barriers of insurance and limited access to local dermatologists. These experiences have shown me the power of accessible care and highlighted the critical role family medicine physicians can play in addressing gaps in dermatological services. There’s a growing shortage of dermatologists, particularly in rural and underserved areas of Nevada. I believe family medicine physicians are uniquely positioned to bridge this gap by integrating dermatologic care into primary care settings. As a future family medicine physician who plans to practice in Nevada, my home state, I aim to recognize and manage common skin conditions, provide preventative care, and offer timely referrals when needed. By doing so, I can help reduce barriers to specialized care and improve outcomes, especially for patients in marginalized communities. Looking ahead, I envision a practice rooted in education, advocacy, and inclusive care—particularly for patients of color who often feel overlooked in dermatology. I want to create a space where patients feel safe discussing their concerns, and where care addresses both their physical and emotional well-being. Beyond clinical care, I’m equally passionate about mentoring future physicians, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. Family medicine offers the opportunity to make a wide-reaching impact by improving access to care and serving as a gateway to specialized services. I hope to inspire students to see the immense value in primary care and to understand how diversity in medicine strengthens the entire field. By empowering the next generation of physicians, I aim to contribute to a more equitable, compassionate, and representative healthcare system.

My first introduction to Chappell Roan was through her Tiny Desk Concert on YouTube. I cannot pinpoint the exact detail of what I found most endearing—the raw queerness in the lyrics of “Casual,” the yodel-esque lilt in her voice, the unapologetic lipstick-smeared tooth, the cigarette nestled in her voluminous hair, or her spontaneous moments of snapping pictures mid-performance. Whatever it was, Chappell Roan felt deeply authentic, and I was hooked. To me, her album The Rise and Fall of the Midwest Princess is a bold celebration of open queerness, especially for young people who feel like they don't belong. The album explores the complex interplay of upbringing and identity—often contradictory, yet integral in shaping who we are—while showcasing the beauty in vulnerability, self-discovery, and acceptance. Chappell Roan has become a defining figure in the LGBTQ+ community, offering a space where the girls, gays, and allies can unapologetically express their truths—whether those truths involve confusion, heartbreak, or the complexities of navigating one’s sexuality. Through her music, she amplifies the voice of the community, standing proudly alongside other icons who have paved the way. Songs like "Pink Pony Club," "Red Wine Supernova," and "Good Luck, Babe!" are catchy anthems of liberating queerness, offering fresh perspectives on love, identity, and freedom. Her celebration of drag makeup and costume during her performances further extends these themes, creating a bold and memorable visual narrative that amplifies her message. As an artist, Chappell has a unique ability to capture the complex emotions and sapphic experiences of being a queer woman. Her music speaks to love, loss, self-discovery, and resilience in a way that feels authentic and relatable. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I grapple with my own sexuality, feeling torn between my attractions to both men and women. Her music has helped me navigate these feelings, providing a sense of validation and understanding. What I admire most about Chappell Roan is her unwavering authenticity, especially in the public eye. She fearlessly embraces her queerness, never shying away from being political or outspoken. She has become a voice for queer individuals in the Midwest, where coming out can be particularly challenging. Chappell uses her platform not just to entertain but to foster a deeper connection with her audience and society. Her music and success advocates for self-acceptance and encourages others to embrace their vulnerabilities as sources of strength. Her recent release, “The Giver,” exemplifies her role in breaking down barriers for queerness in unexpected spaces, such as country music—a genre where LGBTQ+ narratives are often marginalized or overlooked. Through this song, Chappell continues to redefine what it means to be a queer artist, especially in areas where acceptance is still an uphill battle. In conclusion, Chappell Roan’s music has profoundly impacted me with its emotional depth, fun lyrical beauty, and her genuine connection to her audience and sense of self. Supporting her career means supporting an artist who creates captivating music and embodies courage, authenticity, and artistic integrity. Watching her exponential growth over the past few months, as she carves out her own path in music while staying true to her artistic vision, is a testament to her resilience and dedication. Her success is a reminder that authenticity and creativity can flourish in a competitive industry especially for aspiring LGBTQ+ artists. I look forward to her continued growth and eagerly anticipate the societal breakthroughs and stories she has yet to share. No other artist has made me fall in love with their music the way Chappell Roan has.

Growing up in a Vietnamese immigrant household, pursuing a higher education has continued to reinforce its importance throughout my life. The American Dream was not at all accessible or glamorous for my family. My grandparents struggled with minimal English and money to afford an adequate living. At age 18, my mother sacrificed her education to provide for the family. Working long shifts at Taco Bell, she would come home with shoes infested with ants and hands covered in oil burns. From the time I could read chapter books, I was translating tax forms I was too young to understand and taking my grandmother to doctor appointments regarding conditions I could barely pronounce. To my family, higher education was an absolute. Higher education meant opportunities to pursue a life they could not achieve for themselves. However, as I began investing in my studies in essence with my family’s sacrifices, I had come to my own revelations to be able to define and experience the kind of higher education my family had always dreamt about. As the eldest child, I have navigated many life stressors, applications, and milestones on my own. Being the first in my family to graduate college and now attend medical school, I have struggled to find mentors and resources that others often have the privilege of accessing, thus making the path less straightforward. It wasn’t until my undergraduate career that I found opportunities to find mentors of similar backgrounds and aspirations, guiding me toward opportunities that shaped my path to medicine. My educational journey has revealed my strengths in learning, collaboration, and mentorship. My upbringing and Bachelor of Science in Microbiology equipped me with a scientific perspective, while my role as a course coordinator for introductory biology deepened my appreciation for mentorship. As a pharmacy technician, I addressed healthcare inequities by translating for Spanish-speaking patients, emphasizing compassion and effective communication. Serving as President of MEDLIFE, I extended healthcare and infrastructure support to impoverished communities in Peru, reinforcing my commitment to understanding and meeting the needs of the underserved. Currently, as a third-year medical student, my extracurricular and research activities continue to reflect my core values of mentorship, leadership, altruism, diversity, and patient autonomy. I joined the Medical Education Outreach Committee where I create events for middle and high school students of low socioeconomic status and minority backgrounds to spark interest in medicine. Doing so continues to instill the importance of higher education by allowing me to demonstrate possibilities despite my adversities to empower young students to pursue their educational paths. After graduation, I hope these experiences will equip me with the tools and skills necessary to evolve into a compassionate and proficient physician. My ultimate career goal would be to continue as a mentor for my community by practicing medicine in Reno, Nevada as a family medicine physician. Engaged in a hereditary struggle with eczema, my fascination with dermatology has been a lifelong pursuit. In my current journey through medical school, I am eagerly exploring diverse opportunities to enrich my understanding and contribute meaningfully to patient care. My passion extends beyond personal experience, driving me to collaborate with organizations such as the Nevada Cancer Coalition. Here, I have dedicated efforts to educating high school students on skin safety, particularly focusing on cultivating healthy habits early on and increasing awareness of skin cancer within communities of color, where early detection is often elusive. However, I have found that there is an immense lack of resources and access when it comes to addressing the high demands of dermatological needs of the Northern Nevada Community. As a family medicine physician, I hope to bridge this gap by making dermatology more accessible through the avenues of family medicine. Specifically, I want to create a safe space for difficult conversations for patients of color regarding skin conditions and bridge the gap of health disparities in the field of dermatology. I want patients to be able to see a physician who looks like them and understand the challenges that come with accessing care and taking the initiative for advocacy. Furthermore, I strive to use my Spanish background to be able to expand this conversation to an even wider audience. Additionally, I hope to set precedents for aspiring females of minority and low socioeconomic backgrounds to pursue such a competitive specialty to diversify the medical field or even to encourage others to tackle these disparities in innovative ways as I strive to do. Despite the lack of resources and support for dermatology at my medical school, I am determined to address this gap as a future Asian female family medicine physician. My goal is not only to provide care but also to mentor medical students, particularly those from minority backgrounds, and encourage them to embrace the challenges of dermatology. My lifelong commitment to higher education has empowered me to shape my path and pursue my aspirations. The mentors, opportunities, and networks that have supported me have been instrumental in reaching where I am today and achieving my dreams in medicine and I hope to continue to pay this forward, ensuring others have the same opportunities to succeed and make an impact in the field.

My educational journey has been a result of the transformative power of public service. Growing up as the eldest child in a Vietnamese immigrant household, I navigated life stressors, applications, and milestones largely on my own. Despite my early determination to become a physician, the lack of resources and mentors made the journey challenging. However, my undergraduate years brought pivotal experiences such as being a biology discussion leader, where I found mentors who shared my background and guided me toward opportunities in healthcare and public service to paying the kindness forward for future generations. Currently advancing through medical school, I am deeply engaged in initiatives that reflect my commitment to public service and healthcare equity. As a member of the Medical Education Outreach Committee where I organize events for middle and high school students from low socioeconomic status and minority backgrounds, aiming to ignite their interest in medicine. These initiatives emphasize the importance of education and empower students from diverse backgrounds to pursue their dreams despite challenges. Beyond outreach, I currently volunteer with the Nevada Cancer Coalition as a teacher, educating middle and high school students regarding sun safety and skin cancer prevention. Specifically, these lessons are given to title one schools with students of color who are at higher risk of skin cancer or late detection to address critical health disparities and promote wellness among underserved populations. These experiences highlight my commitment to community health and education, bridging gaps in healthcare awareness among underserved populations. In tandem to teaching and mentorship, I also partake in a scholarly concentration in nutrition which reflects my dedication to improving healthcare through cultural competence. Recognizing the need for culturally sensitive dietary advice, I aim to reshape medical education by integrating diverse perspectives into the nutrition curriculum. By equipping future physicians with these skills, I aspire to empower them to provide effective care to patients from minority backgrounds. Collectively through these experiences, I have come to understand that public service in medicine extends far beyond clinical practice. It is about advocating for systemic change, addressing healthcare disparities, and promoting health equity. As I continue my journey in medicine, I am committed to leveraging my education and experiences to contribute to a more inclusive healthcare system, where every individual receives the care they deserve regardless of their background or circumstance. My goal is to drive meaningful change in my community and beyond, making a lasting impact through compassion, advocacy, and a dedication to public service.