Growing up in a Buddhist family, my faith has always been more than just a set of beliefs—it is a way of life that shapes my values, actions, and goals for the future. Buddhism has taught me the importance of compassion, mindfulness, and self-discipline, and these principles guide me in both my personal life and my aspirations. My relationship with Buddhism is deeply rooted in my everyday experiences. Attending temple nearly every week has allowed me to stay connected to my spiritual foundation and to a community that shares my values. At temple, I do more than participate in prayers and ceremonies; I actively engage in events and volunteer my time to help make those gatherings meaningful for others. These experiences have helped me develop a strong sense of responsibility and belonging. They remind me that faith is not only about personal reflection but also about contributing to the well-being of others. One of the most meaningful ways I practice my faith is by teaching Vietnamese to younger children at the temple. Through teaching, I am able to preserve and pass on an important part of our cultural and spiritual identity. This role has strengthened my patience, communication skills, and empathy. It has also deepened my understanding of Buddhist teachings, as I strive to model kindness, respect, and mindfulness for my students. Teaching has shown me that even small acts can have a lasting impact, and it inspires me to continue serving others in meaningful ways. Working as a background specialist for the state child care licensing, I play an important role in protecting children and ensuring they are placed in safe and supportive environments. This responsibility connects deeply with my Buddhist faith, which emphasises compassion, ethical conduct, and the protection of all living beings—especially those who are vulnerable. In my role, I contribute to this principle by carefully reviewing backgrounds and helping prevent harm before it can occur. By ensuring that children are placed in safe environments, I am actively reducing the risk of suffering and creating conditions where they can grow, learn, and thrive. This aligns closely with the Buddhist belief in acting with kindness and responsibility toward others. Looking ahead, I hope to continue giving back to my community after I graduate. My experiences at the temple have shown me how powerful a supportive and connected community can be, and I want to help sustain and grow that environment. I plan to remain involved in temple activities, continue volunteering at events, and expand my role in mentoring younger members. Overall, my relationship with Buddhism has shaped who I am and who I strive to become. It has given me a strong moral foundation, a sense of purpose, and a commitment to helping others. As I move forward in life, I will continue to carry these lessons with me, using them to guide my actions and to make a positive impact on the world around me.

I am a first-generation immigrant, a single mother, and a dedicated student currently pursuing a Master of Science in Data Analytics. My journey has been shaped by resilience, determination, and a deep belief that education is the most powerful tool to transform not only my own life, but also the future of my daughter. I began my academic journey at Seattle Central College, where I discovered my passion for information technology and data. I earned my Associate of Science in Business Information Technology in 2015 with a GPA of 3.75. Building on that foundation, I completed my Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Information Management Systems in 2019, graduating with a GPA of 3.5. These achievements reflect my commitment to academic excellence despite the many obstacles I have faced along the way. Today, I am continuing this path by pursuing a Master of Science in Data Analytics, with the goal of completing my degree by 2027. My path has not been easy. After going through a divorce, I experienced a period of homelessness while trying to provide stability for my young daughter. For months, I struggled to find a safe and affordable place for us to live. Eventually, we found a small one-bedroom basement where we could at least have a roof over our heads. Recently, we were able to move to Salem, Oregon, which represents a meaningful step toward stability and a fresh start for our family. During these difficult times, I continued to work full-time while attending school and raising my daughter on my own. There were many moments when I felt overwhelmed by uncertainty and financial stress, but I remained focused on my long-term goals. I knew that giving up would only limit the future I am trying to build. My daughter has been my greatest source of motivation. She looks up to me, and I strive every day to show her the value of perseverance, education, and hard work. In addition to my academic and personal responsibilities, I am committed to giving back to my community. I volunteer at a Vietnamese temple, where I teach children how to read and write in Vietnamese. This work is deeply meaningful to me, as it helps preserve our language and culture while supporting the next generation. It also reflects my belief that education should be shared and used to uplift others. As a woman in STEM, I am passionate about using data analytics to make a meaningful impact. I am particularly interested in using data to improve decision-making, increase access to opportunities, and support underserved communities. My goal is not only to establish a successful career, but also to contribute to a more inclusive and equitable society. I have relied heavily on financial aid, grants, and loans to support my education. Without this support, my academic journey would not have been possible. Receiving additional scholarship assistance would significantly reduce my financial burden and allow me to focus more fully on my studies and career goals. I am determined to continue pushing forward despite the challenges I face. My journey reflects not only my personal ambitions, but also my commitment to creating a better future for my daughter and giving back to the community that has supported me. With continued support, I am confident that I will achieve my goals and make a meaningful impact in the field of data analytics.

I am a first-generation immigrant, a single mother, and a dedicated student currently pursuing a Master of Science in Data Analytics. My journey has been shaped by resilience, determination, and a deep belief that education is the most powerful tool to transform not only my own life, but also the future of my daughter. I began my academic journey at Seattle Central College, where I discovered my passion for information technology and data. I earned my Associate of Science in Business Information Technology in 2015 with a GPA of 3.75. Building on that foundation, I completed my Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Information Management Systems in 2019, graduating with a GPA of 3.5. These achievements reflect my commitment to academic excellence despite the many obstacles I have faced along the way. Today, I am continuing this path by pursuing a Master of Science in Data Analytics, with the goal of completing my degree by 2027. My path has not been easy. After going through a divorce, I experienced a period of homelessness while trying to provide stability for my young daughter. For months, I struggled to find a safe and affordable place for us to live. Eventually, we found a small one-bedroom basement where we could at least have a roof over our heads. Recently, we were able to move to Salem, Oregon, which represents a meaningful step toward stability and a fresh start for our family. During these difficult times, I continued to work full-time while attending school and raising my daughter on my own. There were many moments when I felt overwhelmed by uncertainty and financial stress, but I remained focused on my long-term goals. I knew that giving up would only limit the future I am trying to build. My daughter has been my greatest source of motivation. She looks up to me, and I strive every day to show her the value of perseverance, education, and hard work. In addition to my academic and personal responsibilities, I am committed to giving back to my community. I volunteer at a Vietnamese temple, where I teach children how to read and write in Vietnamese. This work is deeply meaningful to me, as it helps preserve our language and culture while supporting the next generation. It also reflects my belief that education should be shared and used to uplift others. As a woman in STEM, I am passionate about using data analytics to make a meaningful impact. I am particularly interested in using data to improve decision-making, increase access to opportunities, and support underserved communities. My goal is not only to establish a successful career, but also to contribute to a more inclusive and equitable society. I have relied heavily on financial aid, grants, and loans to support my education. Without this support, my academic journey would not have been possible. Receiving additional scholarship assistance would significantly reduce my financial burden and allow me to focus more fully on my studies and career goals. I am determined to continue pushing forward despite the challenges I face. My journey reflects not only my personal ambitions, but also my commitment to creating a better future for my daughter and giving back to the community that has supported me. With continued support, I am confident that I will achieve my goals and make a meaningful impact in the field of data analytics.