I am truly honored to be a recipient of the Billi Odegaard Nursing Scholarship. For me, this scholarship represents more than just financial support—it is a powerful reminder that my hard work, resilience, and values are seen, appreciated, and supported.

I was born and raised in Vietnam, where my passion for healthcare began at a young age. I helped care for my grandmother after she became paralyzed by a stroke. Later, she fractured her hip but was denied surgery because of her age and passed away in pain. That heartbreaking experience left a lasting impression on me and inspired me to pursue a career where I could provide meaningful care and speak up for those who cannot.

I immigrated to the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic. Leaving behind my home, my language, and my loved ones was incredibly difficult. I had to start over—learning English, going back to school, and working full-time as a CNA to support myself, my husband, and our two children. As someone who speaks English as a second language, I understand how vulnerable patients can feel when they cannot express themselves. This has made me especially compassionate toward Vietnamese patients who may be afraid to speak up. I do my best to help them feel heard, safe, and understood.

Beyond my clinical role, I actively contribute to my unit’s development through the Rehabilitation Unit-Based Committee and the Fall Committee. In the Fall Committee, I support floor operations by helping prevent patient falls and injuries through education and team coordination. In the Rehabilitation Committee, I advocate for CNAs, share ideas to improve communication between CNAs and nurses, and work to build a more respectful and positive work environment. My dedication has been recognized with Providence’s “Best Team Commitment of the Year” award and the Rose Award for my positive impact on patient care. Seeing my patients improve day by day reminds me that the work I do truly matters.

Outside of the hospital, I’m also committed to serving the broader community. I’ve volunteered at Impact Your Health Portland, assisting at a free dental care fair, and at the Red Lodge Transition Center, supporting women who are re-entering society after incarceration or treatment. These experiences have shown me how important it is to provide care that is culturally sensitive and respectful of each person’s background.

At Clackamas Community College, I’ve embraced every opportunity to grow. I currently hold a 3.75 GPA in my pre-nursing program, and I’ve been honored with both the Student Leadership Award and the Frontline Award. I also completed the Oregon Health Authority–approved Healthcare Interpreter Training course, which prepared me to support patients in both English and Vietnamese.

What sets me apart is not only my background, but also my resilience, adaptability, and sincere commitment to service. I never take opportunities for granted. I’ve worked hard to build a new life here—juggling full course loads while working long shifts—and I’ve never given up, even when life felt overwhelming. This scholarship lightens my financial burden, but more importantly, it affirms that I belong in healthcare. It tells me that my journey matters. And it gives me the encouragement to become the kind of nurse who brings hope, healing, and dignity to others.

In my free time, I enjoy cooking healthy meals, practicing yoga to manage stress, and volunteering whenever I can. I believe wellness is holistic, and I hope to bring that philosophy into my future nursing practice. I’m deeply grateful to be part of the Billi Odegaard community, and I am committed to giving back—by helping build a healthcare system that is more inclusive, compassionate, and equitable for all.