As a first-generation Hmong American, a Southeast Asian ethnic group, I grew up in a household where my mother believed in herbal medicine more than Western medicine. She relied on herbal medicine to cure her aching pain and I never understood why as a young child. As I grew older, I finally understood why my mother never sought medical care. She didn’t know much English and the language barrier put limitations on her health. It was not until I accompanied my mother to her appointment at the hospital where I witnessed the language barrier between my mother and her healthcare provider. I did my best to translate for my mother, however, it wasn’t easy. I found it difficult to translate these unfamiliar words to my mother, but in the end, I was able to address my mother’s concerns to the physician assistant (PA). The PA expressed her gratitude for me translating for my mother because otherwise, she wouldn’t be able to understand my mother’s concerns and give the proper medical care that she needs. This is my mother’s first encounter with a PA and she had a positive experience from it. While I also got to experience meeting a PA for the first time, I was amazed to see how composed she was while listening to my mother. She asked questions to assess my mother’s pain and was very understanding of the whole situation because I had to translate on behalf of my mother. As I reflect on this experience, I realize the Hmong community continues to face barriers to healthcare as a result of culture, language, and lack of access. Many Hmong Americans are hesitant to seek the help of Western health care providers because of the language barrier. They find it hard to communicate their symptoms to the provider without a Hmong interpreter, leading them to not return for follow-up appointments or they misunderstand the instruction of the doctor. Cultural differences make it challenging for older patients to ask questions regarding their diagnosis or prescription. As a minority that is not well known, I want to be a voice for the Hmong people in my corner of the world and provide health care services to those that need them. Representation matters in healthcare and I want to be a part of that diversity in hopes of reducing health disparities for minorities. After having more exposure to the physician assistant profession, I knew it was something I wanted to pursue for a long-term career. I want to help individuals and provide them with the medical care that they need. Mental health is something that I want to advocate for in the career that I am pursuing because it is important to spread awareness and help those that need treatment whether it is medication or therapy. My mother plays a big role in my life and has inspired me to pursue something that I enjoy, which is advocating for mental health in healthcare. This drives me to pursue an undergraduate degree in psychology and learn more about the science of human behavior and mental processes. I hope to work in underserved populations someday and provide my service as a stepping-stone toward more access to healthcare.

As a young child, I've seen my mother struggle to raise my two siblings and I. She was an immigrant and didn't know much English, however, she never failed to make ends meet. She worked hard to provide food on the table and clothes for my siblings and I. My mother took on the role of a father figure after my parents divorced, so she raised my siblings and I as a single mother. Despite the hardships she faced as a single mother, she didn't let it stop her from becoming the best mother she could be. I am fortunate to have a loving and hard-working mother. My mother is my greatest inspiration in life because of how far she has come to give my siblings and I a good life. She has always told me to work hard, do well in school, and she'll support anything that I choose to do. By having a support system, I felt more dedicated to fulfilling my dream of becoming a physician assistant. From a young age, I always knew that I wanted to pursue a career in healthcare because of the childhood that I went through. My mother was a victim of domestic violence. I didn't understand the emotional and physical trauma that my mother suffered because I was a child. As I grew older, I finally understood how much it impacted my mother's mental health. She was diagnosed with major depression and had to go to therapy. After having exposure to the physician assistant profession, I knew it was something I wanted to do. I want to help individuals and provide them with the medical care that they need. Mental health is something that I want to advocate for in the career that I am pursuing because it is important to spread awareness and help those that need treatment whether it is medication or therapy. My mother plays a big role in my life and has inspired me to pursue something that I enjoy, which is advocating for mental health in healthcare. This drives me to pursue an undergraduate degree in psychology and learn more about the science of human behavior and mental processes. I hope to work in underserved populations someday and provide my service as a stepping-stone toward more access to healthcare.