I am a survivor of a traumatic school shooting that occurred on November 14, 2019. That day, a student brought a self-made firearm to school, injuring several students and tragically taking two lives. The shooter, only 16 years old, was Asian, like me. While media coverage focused on the tragedy, what stayed with me long after was the absence of any real conversation about his mental health. It forced me to confront the silence that often exists in Asian communities around trauma, therapy, and emotional vulnerability. These are conversations we need to have, not just in response to violence, but to prevent it. One of the victims that day was my best friend, Dominic. We had grown up together since kindergarten, and Iust before the shooting, we were texting about where to meet for lunch. I never imagined that would be the last message I’d ever send him. As the school went into lockdown, I hid in a small, overcrowded classroom with more than 30 students. There, I heard unconfirmed reports of Dominic’s death, while simultaneously trying to help my other friend, Addie, who had been shot in the abdomen and arm. I can still remember the feeling of her blood on my hands as I tried to stop the bleeding. I was only 14. The months that followed were filled with grief, fear, and overwhelming survivor’s guilt. I cried every day, unable to find safety in a world that suddenly felt unrecognizable. But over time, and with the support of my family and friends, I began to heal. That healing gave me clarity and purpose, I wanted to help others the way others had helped me when I was at my lowest. In 2021, during my junior year of high school, I began volunteering at my local hospital. I completed over 250 hours of service, gaining hands-on experience in patient care, charting, and teamwork. Most importantly, I formed relationships with nurses who introduced me to the heart of healthcare, a field I felt instantly connected to. Later, I began volunteering at a local food pantry. There, I saw how many people quietly face unimaginable hardships. That experience deepened my empathy and strengthened my commitment to serving others. Today, I work as a behavioral therapist, supporting clients with autism ranging from mild to severe. In doing so, I’ve come full circle, working in the world of mental health, something that once shattered me and now inspires me. Academically, I’ve remained focused on aligning my goals with my passion. I completed most of my college coursework while still in high school and earned an Associate Degree in Behavioral Health Science from College of the Canyons within a year of starting. I am now attending West Coast University, where I am on track to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing by 2026. Every step I’ve taken since that day has been driven by a single, unwavering goal: to help others heal. My ultimate ambition is to become a nurse practitioner specializing in mental health. I want to be the strong, compassionate presence for others that I once needed, someone who understands trauma, who listens without judgment, and who advocates for the conversations that could save lives.

I suffer from PTSD. On November 14, 2019, a student brought a self-made firearm to school, injuring several people and tragically taking two lives. One of them was my best friend, Dominic. We’d grown up together since kindergarten. Following a “Where are we meeting for lunch” text, the next one would be, “Are you okay?” I didn’t know that would be the last text I’d ever send him. I only heard rumors of his death while hiding in a small, overcrowded room with 30 other students. I still remember the feeling of blood on my hands and tears on my cheeks as I tried to stop the bleeding from my other friend, Addie, who was wounded in her abdomen and arm. I was only 14. The days, weeks, and months that followed were filled with guilt for surviving, an endless stream of painful thoughts, and a fear of facing a world that suddenly felt unsafe. I cried every day. Over time, with the unwavering support of my family and friends, I began to heal. And through that healing, I found my purpose. I wanted to help others, just as others helped me during my darkest moments. In 2021, during my junior year of high school, I began volunteering at my local hospital. Over 350 hours later, I had gained invaluable experience in patient care and charting, but most importantly, leadership. I made close connections with nurses who introduced me to the world of healthcare, and I fell in love with it. Later, I began working at a local food pantry, where I witnessed the harsh realities many people face, and how struggles go far beyond what I’d imagined. That experience shaped my empathy even more. Today, I work as a behavioral therapist, supporting clients with autism ranging from mild to severe, diving much deeper into the world of mental health, something that once shattered me and now inspires me. Throughout high school, I completed most of my college credits early and graduated with an associate degree in Behavioral Health Science from College of the Canyons within a year of starting. I'm currently attending West Coast University and expect to graduate with my Bachelor of Science in Nursing by 2026. Everything I’ve done since that day has been driven by a single, unwavering goal, to help people. My ultimate ambition is to become a nurse practitioner with a degree in psychology, specializing in mental health, so I can be the person I once needed.

Being accepted into a nursing program holds immense significance for me. It’s more than just a career pathway, but a calling that was developed from one of the most traumatic and life-defining moments of my life. On November 19th, 2019, a student brought a self-assembled firearm to school, injuring several and tragically taking the lives of two students. One of them was my best friend, Dominic. We had grown up together since kindergarten. While hiding in a room packed with frightened students, I texted him, “Are you okay?” I didn’t know it would be my last. In this moment, blood had stained my hands after applying pressure to the wounds of another friend, Addie, who had been shot in the abdomen and arm and tears stained down my face. I was only 14. In the weeks that followed, I was consumed by grief, guilt, and fear. I struggled daily, overwhelmed by intrusive thoughts and the trauma of surviving. With time and the unwavering support of my family and friends, I began to heal. Through that healing, I discovered a purpose. I wanted to help people, the same way others had helped me when I needed it most. In 2021, during my junior year of high school, I began volunteering at my local hospital. I was assigned to the Women and Newborn Center, where I dedicated over 350 hours. I learned about patient care, charting, organization, and leadership. I built strong connections with nurses who welcomed me into their world and showed me the heart behind the profession. I loved every moment, and I eventually helped train new volunteers. Academically, I pushed myself as well. I completed most of my college credits during high school and finished with my associate degree in Behavioral Health Science at College of the Canyons, within just a year of starting. Currently, I’ve been attending West Coast University and plan to graduate October of 2026. Today, I work as a behavioral therapist, supporting clients with autism ranging from mild to severe, diving much deeper into the world of mental health, something that once shattered me and now inspires me. Everything I’ve done since that day has been driven by a single, unwavering goal, to help people. My ultimate ambition is to become a nurse practitioner with a degree in psychology, specializing in mental health, so I can be the person I once needed. I am ready to continue turning my pain into purpose, one patient at a time.

Being accepted into a nursing program holds immense significance for me. It’s more than just a career pathway, but a calling that was developed from one of the most traumatic and life-defining moments of my life. On November 19th, 2019, a student brought a self-assembled firearm to school, injuring several and tragically taking the lives of two students. One of them was my best friend, Dominic. We had grown up together since kindergarten. While hiding in a room packed with frightened students, I texted him, “Are you okay?” I didn’t know it would be my last. In this moment, blood had stained my hands after applying pressure to the wounds of another friend, Addie, who had been shot in the abdomen and arm and tears stained down my face. I was only 14. In the weeks that followed, I was consumed by grief, guilt, and fear. I struggled daily, overwhelmed by intrusive thoughts and the trauma of surviving. With time and the unwavering support of my family and friends, I began to heal. Through that healing, I discovered a purpose. I wanted to help people, the same way others had helped me when I needed it most. In 2021, during my junior year of high school, I began volunteering at my local hospital. I was assigned to the Women and Newborn Center, where I dedicated over 350 hours. I learned about patient care, charting, organization, and leadership. I built strong connections with nurses who welcomed me into their world and showed me the heart behind the profession. I loved every moment, and I eventually helped train new volunteers. Academically, I pushed myself as well. I completed most of my college credits during high school and finished with my associate degree in Behavioral Health Science at College of the Canyons, within just a year of starting. Currently, I’ve been attending West Coast University and plan to graduate October of 2026. Today, I work as a behavioral therapist, supporting clients with autism ranging from mild to severe, diving much deeper into the world of mental health, something that once shattered me and now inspires me. Everything I’ve done since that day has been driven by a single, unwavering goal, to help people. My ultimate ambition is to become a nurse practitioner with a degree in psychology, specializing in mental health, so I can be the person I once needed. I am ready to continue turning my pain into purpose, one patient at a time.

Being accepted into a nursing program holds immense significance for me. It’s more than just a career pathway, but a calling that was developed from one of the most traumatic and life-defining moments of my life. On November 19th, 2019, a student brought a self-assembled firearm to school, injuring several and tragically taking the lives of two students. One of them was my best friend, Dominic. We had grown up together since kindergarten. While hiding in a room packed with frightened students, I texted him, “Are you okay?” I didn’t know it would be my last. In this moment, blood had stained my hands after applying pressure to the wounds of another friend, Addie, who had been shot in the abdomen and arm and tears stained down my face. I was only 14. In the weeks that followed, I was consumed by grief, guilt, and fear. I struggled daily, overwhelmed by intrusive thoughts and the trauma of surviving. With time and the unwavering support of my family and friends, I began to heal. Through that healing, I discovered a purpose. I wanted to help people, the same way others had helped me when I needed it most. In 2021, during my junior year of high school, I began volunteering at my local hospital. I was assigned to the Women and Newborn Center, where I dedicated over 350 hours. I learned about patient care, charting, organization, and leadership. I built strong connections with nurses who welcomed me into their world and showed me the heart behind the profession. I loved every moment, and I eventually helped train new volunteers. Academically, I pushed myself as well. I completed most of my college credits during high school and finished with my associate degree in Behavioral Health Science at College of the Canyons, within just a year of starting. Currently, I’ve been attending West Coast University and plan to graduate October of 2026. Today, I have applied my associates degree to work as a behavioral therapist, supporting toddlers, children and teenagers with autism ranging from mild to severe, diving much deeper into the world of mental health, something that once shattered me and now inspires me. Everything I’ve done since that day has been driven by a single, unwavering goal, to be involved with the mental health world of adolescence. My ultimate ambition is to become a nurse practitioner with a degree in psychology, specializing in mental health, so I can be the person I once needed. I am ready to continue turning my pain into purpose, one patient at a time.

Being accepted into a nursing program holds immense significance for me. It’s more than just a career pathway, but a calling that was developed from one of the most traumatic and life-defining moments of my life. On November 19th, 2019, a student brought a self-assembled firearm to school, injuring several and tragically taking the lives of two students. One of them was my best friend, Dominic. We had grown up together since kindergarten. While hiding in a room packed with frightened students, I texted him, “Are you okay?” I didn’t know it would be my last. In this moment, blood had stained my hands after applying pressure to the wounds of another friend, Addie, who had been shot in the abdomen and arm and tears stained down my face. I was only 14. In the weeks that followed, I was consumed by grief, guilt, and fear. I struggled daily, overwhelmed by intrusive thoughts and the trauma of surviving. With time and the unwavering support of my family and friends, I began to heal. Through that healing, I discovered a purpose. I wanted to help people, the same way others had helped me when I needed it most. In 2021, during my junior year of high school, I began volunteering at my local hospital. I was assigned to the Women and Newborn Center, where I dedicated over 350 hours. I learned about patient care, charting, organization, and leadership. I built strong connections with nurses who welcomed me into their world and showed me the heart behind the profession. I loved every moment, and I eventually helped train new volunteers. Academically, I pushed myself as well. I completed most of my college credits during high school and finished with my associate degree in Behavioral Health Science at College of the Canyons, within just a year of starting. Currently, I’ve been attending West Coast University and plan to graduate October of 2026. Today, I work as a behavioral therapist, supporting clients with autism ranging from mild to severe, diving much deeper into the world of mental health, something that once shattered me and now inspires me. Everything I’ve done since that day has been driven by a single, unwavering goal, to help people. My ultimate ambition is to become a nurse practitioner with a degree in psychology, specializing in mental health, so I can be the person I once needed. I am ready to continue turning my pain into purpose, one patient at a time.

Being accepted into a nursing program holds immense significance for me. It’s more than just a career pathway, but a calling that was developed from one of the most traumatic and life-defining moments of my life. On November 19th, 2019, a student brought a self-assembled firearm to school, injuring several and tragically taking the lives of two students. One of them was my best friend, Dominic. We had grown up together since kindergarten. While hiding in a room packed with frightened students, I texted him, “Are you okay?” I didn’t know it would be my last. In this moment, blood had stained my hands after applying pressure to the wounds of another friend, Addie, who had been shot in the abdomen and arm and tears stained down my face. I was only 14. In the weeks that followed, I was consumed by grief, guilt, and fear. I struggled daily, overwhelmed by intrusive thoughts and the trauma of surviving. With time and the unwavering support of my family and friends, I began to heal. Through that healing, I discovered a purpose. I wanted to help people, the same way others had helped me when I needed it most. In 2021, during my junior year of high school, I began volunteering at my local hospital. I was assigned to the Women and Newborn Center, where I dedicated over 350 hours. I learned about patient care, charting, organization, and leadership. I built strong connections with nurses who welcomed me into their world and showed me the heart behind the profession. I loved every moment, and I eventually helped train new volunteers. Academically, I pushed myself as well. I completed most of my college credits during high school and finished with my associate degree in Behavioral Health Science at College of the Canyons, within just a year of starting. Currently, I’ve been attending West Coast University and plan to graduate October of 2026. Today, I have applied my associates degree to work as a behavioral therapist, supporting young children and teenagers with autism ranging from mild to severe, diving much deeper into the world of mental health, something that once shattered me and now inspires me. Everything I’ve done since that day has been driven by a single, unwavering goal, to be involved with the mental health world of adolescence. My ultimate ambition is to become a nurse practitioner with a degree in psychology, specializing in mental health, so I can be the person I once needed. I am ready to continue turning my pain into purpose, one patient at a time.

Being accepted into a nursing program holds immense significance for me. It’s more than just a career pathway, but a calling that was developed from one of the most traumatic and life-defining moments of my life. On November 19th, 2019, a student brought a self-assembled firearm to school, injuring several and tragically taking the lives of two students. One of them was my best friend, Dominic. We had grown up together since kindergarten. While hiding in a room packed with frightened students, I texted him, “Are you okay?” I didn’t know it would be my last. In this moment, blood had stained my hands after applying pressure to the wounds of another friend, Addie, who had been shot in the abdomen and arm and tears stained down my face. I was only 14. In the weeks that followed, I was consumed by grief, guilt, and fear. I struggled daily, overwhelmed by intrusive thoughts and the trauma of surviving. With time and the unwavering support of my family and friends, I began to heal. Through that healing, I discovered a purpose. I wanted to help people, the same way others had helped me when I needed it most. In 2021, during my junior year of high school, I began volunteering at my local hospital. I was assigned to the Women and Newborn Center, where I dedicated over 350 hours. I learned about patient care, charting, organization, and leadership. I built strong connections with nurses who welcomed me into their world and showed me the heart behind the profession. I loved every moment, and I eventually helped train new volunteers. Academically, I pushed myself as well. I completed most of my college credits during high school and finished with my associate degree in Behavioral Health Science at College of the Canyons, within just a year of starting. Currently, I’ve been attending West Coast University and plan to graduate October of 2026. Today, I work as a behavioral therapist, supporting clients with autism ranging from mild to severe, diving much deeper into the world of mental health, something that once shattered me and now inspires me. Everything I’ve done since that day has been driven by a single, unwavering goal, to help people. My ultimate ambition is to become a nurse practitioner with a degree in psychology, specializing in mental health, so I can be the person I once needed. I am ready to continue turning my pain into purpose, one patient at a time.

Being accepted into a nursing program holds immense significance for me. It’s more than just a career pathway, but a calling that was developed from one of the most traumatic and life-defining moments of my life. On November 19th, 2019, a student brought a self-assembled firearm to school, injuring several and tragically taking the lives of two students. One of them was my best friend, Dominic. We had grown up together since kindergarten. While hiding in a room packed with frightened students, I texted him, “Are you okay?” I didn’t know it would be my last. In this moment, blood had stained my hands after applying pressure to the wounds of another friend, Addie, who had been shot in the abdomen and arm and tears stained down my face. I was only 14. In the weeks that followed, I was consumed by grief, guilt, and fear. I struggled daily, overwhelmed by intrusive thoughts and the trauma of surviving. With time and the unwavering support of my family and friends, I began to heal. Through that healing, I discovered a purpose. I wanted to help people, the same way others had helped me when I needed it most. In 2021, during my junior year of high school, I began volunteering at my local hospital. I was assigned to the Women and Newborn Center, where I dedicated over 350 hours. I learned about patient care, charting, organization, and leadership. I built strong connections with nurses who welcomed me into their world and showed me the heart behind the profession. I loved every moment, and I eventually helped train new volunteers. Academically, I pushed myself as well. I completed most of my college credits during high school and finished with my associate degree in Behavioral Health Science at College of the Canyons, within just a year of starting. Currently, I’ve been attending West Coast University and plan to graduate October of 2026. Today, I work as a behavioral therapist, supporting clients with autism ranging from mild to severe, diving much deeper into the world of mental health, something that once shattered me and now inspires me. Everything I’ve done since that day has been driven by a single, unwavering goal, to help people. My ultimate ambition is to become a nurse practitioner with a degree in psychology, specializing in mental health, so I can be the person I once needed. I am ready to continue turning my pain into purpose, one patient at a time.

Having the ability to enter the nursing program holds a great amount of significance for me, kindled by my life-altering experience while in a school shooting. November 19th, 2019, a student carried a gun he built himself to school injuring many, but killing two. One of the two was my very best friend Dominic, who I've grown up with since kindergarten. On that day, I would not know my text, "Are you okay," would be my last. Unknowing of his passing, I texted him with blood on my hands and stains of my cries down my cheeks from placing pressure on the wounds of my other friend Addie, both on her abdomen and arm. I was 14. I cried every day feeling guilty for living, overwhelmed by the stream of my thoughts, and scared to face the real world as I was terrified and traumatized. As the years went by, I began to heal with the support of my family and friends, but from that day, I learned that all I wanted to do was help people the same way others were there to help me. In 2021, my junior year, I decided to start volunteering at the local hospital. Once I applied, I was immediately assigned to work in the Women and Newborn Center, where I accumulated over 350 hours. I gained abundant hospital experience, learning about patient care, charting, organization, and leadership. I made many nurse friends who enlightened me into the world of nursing, and I fell in love. I enjoyed coming into the hospital every week to help out the nurses as much as I could, and I acquired enough experience to start training new volunteers. Looking back at the time and effort I put into working at the hospital, I could only see a glimpse of how much more I could do, until I make my dreams into a reality. Throughout my academic High School years, I accrued most of my college credits, and am in the process of finishing the Associates program at College of the Canyons, in less than a year of my first semester. I applied to West Coast University, where I will attend next month, June 10th, 2024. Currently, I have been proactively involved in Caregiving, taking care of 4 children, and 1 with severe autism. In the end, my goal would be to help people, which I can achieve through the nursing program. I am thrilled at the thought of potentially being able to help hundreds, or maybe even thousands while being a nurse for my community. Overall, I plan to finish my BSN, and hopefully later apply to a master's program, where I can receive a degree to become a Certified Registered Nurse anesthetist.

Having the ability to enter the nursing program holds a great amount of significance for me, kindled by my life-altering experience while in a school shooting. November 19th, 2019, a student carried a gun he built himself to school injuring many, but killing two. One of the two was my very best friend Dominic, who I've grown up with since kindergarten. On that day, I would not know my text, "Are you okay," would be my last. Unknowing of his passing, I texted him with blood on my hands and stains of my cries down my cheeks from placing pressure on the wounds of my other friend Addie, both on her abdomen and arm. I was 14. I cried every day feeling guilty for living, overwhelmed by the stream of my thoughts, and scared to face the real world as I was terrified and traumatized. As the years went by, I began to heal with the support of my family and friends, but from that day, I learned that all I wanted to do was help people the same way others were there to help me. In 2021, my junior year, I decided to start volunteering at the local hospital. Once I applied, I was immediately assigned to work in the Women and Newborn Center, where I accumulated over 350 hours. I gained abundant hospital experience, learning about patient care, charting, organization, and leadership. I made many nurse friends who enlightened me into the world of nursing, and I fell in love. I enjoyed coming into the hospital every week to help out the nurses as much as I could, and I acquired enough experience to start training new volunteers. Looking back at the time and effort I put into working at the hospital, I could only see a glimpse of how much more I could do, until I make my dreams into a reality Throughout my academic High School years, I accrued most of my college credits, and am in the process of finishing the Associates program at College of the Canyons, in less than a year of my first semester. I applied to West Coast University, where I will attend next month, June 10th, 2024. Currently, I have been proactively involved in Caregiving, taking care of 4 children, and 1 with severe autism. In the end, my goal would be to help people, which I can achieve through the nursing program. I am thrilled at the thought of potentially being able to help hundreds, or maybe even thousands while being a nurse for my community. Overall, my plan would be to finish my BSN, and hopefully later apply to a master's program, where I can receive a degree to become a Certified Registered Nurse anesthetist.

Having the ability to enter the nursing program holds a great amount of significance for me, kindled by my life-altering experience while in a school shooting. November 19th, 2019, a student carried a gun he built himself to school injuring many, but killing two. One of the two was my very best friend Dominic, who I've grown up with since kindergarten. On that day, I would not know my text, "Are you okay," would be my last. Unknowing of his passing, I texted him with blood on my hands and stains of my cries down my cheeks from placing pressure on the wounds of my other friend Addie, both on her abdomen and arm. I was 14. I cried every day feeling guilty for living, overwhelmed by the stream of my thoughts, and scared to face the real world as I was terrified and traumatized. As the years went by, I began to heal with the support of my family and friends, but from that day, I learned that all I wanted to do was help people the same way others were there to help me. In 2021, my junior year, I decided that I wanted to start volunteering at the local hospital. Once I applied, I was immediately assigned to work in the Women and Newborn Center, where I accumulated over 350 hours. I gained abundant hospital experience, where I learned about patient care, charting, organization, and leadership. I made many nurse friends who enlightened me into the world of nursing, and I fell in love. I enjoyed coming into the hospital every week to help out the nurses as much as I could, and accumulated enough experience to start training new volunteers. Throughout my High School years, I accrued almost all of my college credits, and am in the process of finishing the Associate's program at College of the Canyons, in less than a year of my entering date. I applied to West Coast University, where I will attend next month, June 10th, 2024. Currently, I have been proactively involved in Caregiving, taking care of 4 children, and 1 with severe autism. Throughout it all, my end goal would be to help people, which I can achieve through the nursing program. Overall, I would like to finish my BSN, and hopefully later apply to a master's program, where I can receive a degree to become a Certified Registered Nurse anesthetist.

Having the ability to enter the nursing program holds a great amount of significance for me, kindled by my life-altering experience while in a school shooting. November 19th, 2019, a student carried a gun he built himself to school injuring many, but killing two. One of the two was my very best friend Dominic, who I've grown up with since kindergarten. On that day, I would not know my text, "Are you okay," would be my last. Unknowing of his passing, I texted him with blood on my hands and stains of my cries down my cheeks from placing pressure on the wounds of my other friend Addie, both on her abdomen and arm. I was 14. I cried every day feeling guilty for living, overwhelmed by the stream of my thoughts, and scared to face the real world as I was terrified and traumatized. As the years went by, I began to heal with the support of my family and friends, but from that day, I learned that all I wanted to do was help people the same way others were there to help me. In 2021, my junior year, I decided that I wanted to start volunteering at the local hospital. Once I applied, I was immediately assigned to work in the Women and Newborn Center, where I accumulated over 350 hours. I gained abundant hospital experience, where I learned about patient care, charting, organization, and leadership. I made many nurse friends who enlightened me into the world of nursing, and I fell in love. I enjoyed coming into the hospital every week to help out the nurses as much as I could, and accumulated enough experience to start training new volunteers. Throughout my academic High School years, I accrued most of my college credits, and am in the process of finishing the Associates program at College of the Canyons, in less than a year of my entering. I applied to West Coast University, where I will attend next month, June 10th, 2024. Currently, I have been proactively involved in Caregiving, taking care of 4 children, and 1 with severe autism. Throughout it all, my end goal would be to help people, which I can achieve through the nursing program. Overall, I would like to finish my BSN, and hopefully later apply to a master's program, where I can receive a degree to become a Certified Registered Nurse anesthetist.