I lived in Vietnam, in the south, in the countryside before coming to U.S.

Near really beautiful mountains. I remember you could see sunset and sunrise on the river. I left when I was 16, because my grandfather was in the US. He wanted us to come here because my mom, brother, sister and I were alone. I was happy to come, but I’m also afraid because I don’t know English or how to communicate with others. This part very hard.

I come on a plane. It was my first time on a plane. It was scary! Scary and exciting to see a plane–how big they are! Before, I looked up in the sky, I thought, hmmm, not that big.

But up close! Wow!

I went to high school here. After high school, I decide to go to college. I want to be in healthcare.

When I was little, I got sick a lot. I have weak lung. When the weather change, I get cough. I’m on medicine all the time. I saw doctors and nurses all the time, all the time they help me.

I want to help the little kids who are sick. My sister is a nurse, she is older. My sister always tells me how cool it is! My uncle is also a doctor in Vietnam. That makes me want to be in healthcare too.

First, I went to school for medical assistant. The school closed down, and took my money. It was a scam. It made it very hard to get a job. I couldn’t work. Because that school won’t give me the certificates I need.

I asked PRC for help. They helped me find another program for CNA, PCT, phlebotomy and EKG technician. I am certified now. Next, I want to enroll in nursing school.

I’m always thinking, I gotta make my dream come true.

N.