I came from Burma helped by American couple in 2007. I was here to learn science so I could practice someday. The first year in school was so rough for me and I even thought of going back home for several times. I was 37 year old studying with young students in science room at school. First of all, the language was the foremost challenge and studies was the second. In addition to that, I left my three children with their aunties and I missed them so badly. The life was no bed of roses but I finished my first year schooling with the completion of certification in phlebotomy in Michigan. Then, I came to California where my native people resided. I felt so much relived eating my own cultural foods and language. I went to community college where I pursed nursing program with the help of college tutoring. I also had to work in order to stay in school because schools are expensive in America. My nursing school started in 2013 and finished in 2015 with completion of certificate. Then, I took the state board exam and received California state licensed nurse. I applied my nursing job with skilled nursing facility in 2016 and got hired for fu timer position. My kids came to America to live with me eventually. My life seemed tough in the beginning but I practiced’ no pain no gain’ philosophy and started reaping the seeds that I grew with sweat and anguish. Now I want to pursue more educational paths which will take care of me when I get older. The education talks in America. The most beneficial outcome I encounter in life is, trying my best out of nothing without giving up and the harvest becomes nourishing when time comes. I hope you can do it if I can.

My name is ThiThi Tun. I am originally from Myanmar. I am 51 years old. I came to America on student visa to learn science in Ferris State University in Michigan in 2007. I lived with my sponsors who helped me learn and overcome cultural shock. I go through language barrier and cultural shortage anyway. I thought of going home so often. I also left three children who were 15, 13, and 8. I missed them so much. The half of my brain told me to go home and the other one said that to stay strong as the saying goes by, No Pain No Gain. Finally, I stayed with the hope of getting some education in America. I became overcomer for language barrier and cultural shortage as studies and communication went by. When I look at the past from 13 years ago until now, I so far attended three colleges and I can not say enough how proud I am. In addition, I brought all my to America. In my opinion, no one is born with automatic talents, but to practice and explore the hidden skills, talents, and put them into practice. Never be late to learn in life no matter what the life challenges. The final word, life is full of challenges where you may become winner or loser, either way, based on your persistence or giving up.

I will say that working in nursing home is a huge challenge for me when it comes to face with combative patients who are diagnosed with dementia. They can be good at one time but they can hit to your face out of blue moon. Every job is challenge but we become masters if we know how to approach and prepare. The practise makes perfect in every area of job.