Family has always been the foundation of who I am and the reason I keep pushing forward. I was raised in a loving home with both of my parents, who have always worked tirelessly to give me a better future. Growing up in Vietnam, I saw firsthand the sacrifices they made every single day. Even when times were tough and money was tight, my parents never gave up. They carried the weight of our family with quiet strength, determination, and endless love. Their hard work and faith in me became my greatest motivation. From a young age, I understood that success is not about luck or privilege, but about effort, dedication, and heart. My parents taught me that even if life isn’t easy, we can always choose how we respond to challenges. They worked long hours, sometimes overnight, to make sure I could go to school and chase opportunities they never had. Watching them struggle yet smile taught me that love is powerful—it gives us courage when life feels overwhelming. When my parents decided to send me to the United States for a better education, it was one of the hardest but bravest decisions they ever made. Leaving my home, my language, and everything familiar was a huge change for me. I thought things would become easier, but the truth was, starting over in a new country was far more difficult than I expected. I had to adjust to new customs, communicate in a different language, and find my place in an unfamiliar environment. There were days I felt completely alone and wanted to give up. But every time I thought about quitting, I reminded myself of my parents—still back home, working long, exhausting hours to support my dream. They believed in me when I struggled to believe in myself. Remembering their sacrifices gave me the strength to keep going. I studied harder, learned to manage on my own, and began to see challenges as opportunities to grow. Being away from my family taught me independence, but it also deepened my sense of gratitude. I realized that my parents’ love and lessons are always with me, no matter the distance. Their resilience shaped me into someone who values empathy, discipline, and kindness. It’s because of them that I want to use my education and experiences to make a difference for others. Even though I am still discovering the exact path I’ll take, I know I want a future where I can help people—whether through healthcare, education, or community work. I want to bring comfort to others who are struggling, to be the kind of person who listens, supports, and encourages. Helping others has always been my way of giving back the love and guidance my parents have shown me. My dream is to make them proud by turning their sacrifices into something meaningful—not just for me, but for the community I’m part of. I hope to inspire other young people, especially those who come from humble beginnings, to keep believing in themselves even when life feels difficult. Being raised by two hardworking, loving parents has shaped every part of who I am. Their sacrifices have taught me that kindness is strength, hard work builds opportunity, and gratitude gives life purpose. Because of them, I am determined to use my education to make the world a better and more compassionate place for everyone.

My name is Thao Vy, and my journey has been one of resilience, faith, and gratitude. I grew up in Vietnam in a loving but hardworking family that always believed education could change a person’s life. My parents have always been my greatest inspiration. They worked day and night to make sure I had the chance to chase my dreams, even when life was hard. Because of their sacrifices, I promised myself that I would never give up, no matter what challenges came my way. After finishing 11th grade, my parents made a brave and difficult decision — to send me to the United States for a better education and future. It was a huge sacrifice. They worked long overnight shifts, sometimes more than twelve hours, just to afford my tuition and living expenses. I thought moving to America would make life easier, but it turned out to be one of the hardest things I had ever done. I had to adjust to a new culture, improve my English, and find my place in a completely different world. Just as I started to settle into this new chapter, I faced something I never expected — a life-threatening battle with sepsis. What began as a small infection quickly became something far more serious. My body started to shut down, and I was rushed to the hospital. I was scared, weak, and far away from my family. The doctors told me that sepsis could take my life if not treated immediately. Lying in that hospital bed, I felt helpless and afraid. I kept thinking about my parents in Vietnam — still working long hours for me — and I prayed that I would have the strength to recover for them. During that time, I met some of the kindest nurses and doctors I have ever known. They didn’t just treat my illness; they treated me like a person who mattered. They spoke gently, held my hand when I cried, and made sure I never felt alone. Their compassion gave me strength when I had none left. That experience changed my entire outlook on life. I realized how fragile life can be and how one moment can completely turn everything upside down. When I finally recovered, I promised myself that I would live with gratitude and kindness every day. Surviving sepsis made me stronger, more empathetic, and more determined to give back. I began to appreciate every breath, every sunrise, and every opportunity that came my way. Most importantly, I learned that even the smallest act of compassion can change someone’s life — just like it did for me. Now, as I continue my education, I want to use my experiences to help others who are struggling. I plan to raise awareness about sepsis and support people who face health or financial hardships. I also hope to inspire students who, like me, come from different backgrounds and are trying to build a better life through education. Sepsis was one of the hardest challenges I’ve ever faced, but it also became one of the greatest teachers in my life. It taught me strength, patience, and the true meaning of hope. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and I know my journey doesn’t end here. I want to keep growing, learning, and using my second chance at life to bring hope, comfort, and encouragement to others — just as others once did for me.

1. Personal inspiration for pursuing a career in nursing My inspiration for pursuing a career in nursing comes from both my family and my own life experiences. Growing up in Vietnam, I saw firsthand the sacrifices my parents made to give me opportunities they never had. They worked long hours—sometimes overnight shifts lasting more than twelve hours—to support my education. Their resilience taught me that caring for others is not just about providing for their needs but also about giving them hope and strength. When I moved to the United States after finishing 11th grade, I thought my path would become easier. Instead, I faced new challenges. My parents were only able to afford one year of my studies, and when their business struggled, I suddenly had to find a way to cover my senior year on my own. It was overwhelming, but it also shaped my determination to keep moving forward despite obstacles. Through those experiences, I discovered my dream of becoming a nurse. One of my teachers once told me I had a calm, responsible nature and strong learning ability—qualities that would make me a good nurse. Her encouragement stuck with me, and over time, I realized that nursing was the perfect way to channel my empathy, patience, and love for science into a career where I could truly make a difference. Nursing is not just a profession to me—it is a calling. It is about being there for people when they are at their most vulnerable, listening to their fears, and offering not only medical care but also comfort. That mission is what continues to inspire me every day. 2. What “human touch” means to me To me, the phrase “human touch” means more than just physical contact—it represents compassion, empathy, and connection. It is the ability to see a person not only as a patient but as a human being with fears, hopes, and emotions. In nursing, human touch goes beyond clinical skills; it is the way we communicate understanding, kindness, and reassurance to someone who may be experiencing pain or uncertainty. I believe the “human touch” has the power to transform patient care. Medicine can treat the body, but compassion heals the spirit. A patient may not remember every detail of the treatment they received, but they will always remember how a nurse made them feel. A gentle word, a smile, or simply taking the time to listen can make a patient feel valued and less alone. In moments of vulnerability—such as waiting for test results, facing surgery, or coping with illness—the human touch can be the comfort that gives patients the strength to keep fighting. In my own life, I’ve seen how kindness can change a difficult situation. Moving to the U.S. as a teenager, I often felt isolated because of language barriers and cultural differences. Yet the times when someone showed me patience, encouragement, or empathy gave me the courage to keep going. Those experiences remind me that even small gestures can leave a lasting impact. As a future nurse, I plan to carry this lesson into every interaction with patients. Human touch, to me, means slowing down, paying attention, and being present in the moment. It means letting patients know that they are more than their illness, and that someone genuinely cares about their well-being. By practicing nursing with both skill and compassion, I hope to not only help heal bodies but also bring comfort, dignity, and hope to the people I serve.

From a young age, I have been fascinated by how the smallest systems in our bodies work together to sustain life. In school, biology was always the subject that captured my full attention because it helped me understand the science of health and the delicate balance that keeps us alive. But my inspiration to pursue a career in the medical field goes beyond academics—it is deeply personal. Growing up, I witnessed the sacrifices my parents made for my future. Their long hours of work, often overnight shifts that left them exhausted, taught me the meaning of perseverance and selflessness. They reminded me that caring for others is not only an act of love but also a responsibility. That same spirit of care is what drives me toward nursing. When I moved from Vietnam to the United States after finishing 11th grade, I thought life would become easier. Instead, I was met with new challenges. My parents could afford only one year of my studies, and the following year, their business began to struggle. Suddenly, I had to find ways to cover my school and living costs on my own. It was not the typical high school experience many of my peers had, but it strengthened my determination. Through those difficult moments, I realized that I wanted a career where I could channel my resilience and empathy into helping others who face challenges of their own. Nursing became not just a dream but a mission. What inspires me most about nursing is the chance to make a tangible difference in people’s lives every single day. A nurse is often the person patients see the most, the one who listens to their fears, comforts their families, and provides care when they are most vulnerable. I want to be that steady presence—someone who combines knowledge with compassion to help patients feel not only treated but truly cared for. One of my teachers once told me that I had a calm, responsible nature and a strong learning ability—qualities that would make me a good nurse. I hold on to that encouragement because it reminds me that even in moments of self-doubt, I have what it takes to succeed in this field. My bilingual background is also something I want to use to make a difference. As a Vietnamese and English speaker, I can bridge cultural and language barriers, ensuring that patients and families who may feel unheard or misunderstood have someone who truly listens and advocates for them. Looking ahead, I plan to specialize in [pediatrics, emergency care, or community health—you can choose your focus], where I can not only provide medical treatment but also serve as a source of hope. Beyond the hospital, I hope to mentor and support students who, like me, come from different backgrounds and face financial or language challenges. By sharing my journey, I want to show them that it is possible to turn hardship into strength. Pursuing nursing is more than a career choice for me—it is a way to honor my parents’ sacrifices, to serve others with kindness, and to build a life rooted in purpose. Through my career, I want to make a difference not only in healing bodies but also in uplifting spirits, one patient at a time.

Many students face challenges that make education feel out of reach, but with the right support, motivated students can turn hardships into strength. Scholarships and grants are not only financial help—they are lifelines that give students like me the chance to keep moving forward when life feels impossible. I grew up in Vietnam, where I worked hard in school and discovered my love for biology. After 11th grade, I came to the U.S. filled with hope for new opportunities. At first, I thought life would get easier, but instead it became harder than I ever imagined. During my junior year, my parents overworked themselves, often more than 12 hours a day, just so I could afford to attend school. I carried that weight with me every day, knowing how much they were sacrificing for me. But when their business began to struggle, everything changed. By senior year, I was on my own. My tuition was $23,000 for this year, 2025-2026, not including living expenses. I remember lying awake at night, overwhelmed, wondering how I could afford it while still keeping up with my studies. At times, it felt like the dream I had worked so hard for was slipping away. Still, I refused to give up. I pushed myself to keep studying, to maintain my grades, even when exhaustion made it hard to focus. I worked more hours than I thought I could handle, often feeling torn between survival and school. Some days, the stress was unbearable, but I reminded myself why I came here—to build a better future and to pursue my passion for health and science. These experiences shaped me in ways I never expected. They taught me resilience and independence, but they also gave me empathy. I know what it feels like to be overwhelmed, scared, and uncertain about the future. And I know how powerful it is when someone shows care and understanding during those moments. That is why I want to become a nurse: to be there for others the way I once needed someone to be there for me. Support through this grant would mean far more than easing the heavy financial pressure I face. It would give me the stability to focus on my education and the encouragement to keep striving toward my dream. It would remind me that my hard work and sacrifices have meaning, and that others believe in my potential. I believe students from disadvantaged backgrounds deserve opportunities like this because we know the true value of education. We fight for it, we sacrifice for it, and we never take it for granted. With support, I am determined to turn my struggles into strength and give back to others through a career in nursing.

Hi, my name is Vy, and my life hasn’t been easy, but the experiences I’ve gone through have helped me grow and find my passion. They have shaped the way I think, feel, and dream. I’ve faced many challenges, but I’ve also learned the value of strength, love, and never giving up. These lessons are the reason I want to become a nurse. I was born and raised in Vietnam. From a young age, I saw how hard my parents worked just to give me the basics. We didn’t have much money, but we had love. My parents always believed in education and told me it would be the key to a better future. That’s why I’ve always taken school seriously. I studied hard, earned high grades, and received multiple Biology awards throughout middle and high school. Biology became my favorite subject because it helped me understand the human body, how each small system keeps us alive and working. That knowledge made me appreciate life more deeply and inspired my dream to help others. After I finished 11th grade in Vietnam, my parents made a huge and brave decision. They sent me to the United States so I could get a better education and more opportunities. I was excited and thought things would get easier. But it didn’t take long for me to realize that life here would be even harder. My parents worked long, overnight shifts, sometimes more than 12 hours a day, just to pay for my junior year of high school. I missed them terribly, and I could feel the pressure they were under. Then things got even worse. Their small business in Vietnam started to struggle, and they could no longer afford to pay for my senior year. I suddenly had to find a way to survive, paying for school, rent, and all my basic needs on my own. It was one of the most difficult moments in my life. There were times I felt scared and completely alone, but I reminded myself that my parents made sacrifices for me to be here. I couldn’t give up not on them, not on myself, and not on my dream. Through it all, I held on to my goal of becoming a nurse. One of my teachers once told me that I have a calm, focused, and caring personality, traits that are perfect for nursing. That meant so much to me. I want to care for people when they are at their weakest, to be a calm presence when they are scared or sick. I want to bring hope and healing, because I know what it feels like to struggle and still move forward. One day, I also hope to give back to students like me, those who come from other countries, who face money problems, but who still chase their dreams. I want to help them believe that even when life is hard, it’s possible to keep going. My life has taught me strength, compassion, and purpose. Those lessons are leading me to nursing, and I know I’m on the right path.