My pursuit of a college education goes far beyond mere words on paper. At the age of six, I found the value of education. A few years passed after moving from Thailand, and after endless moves, we found a place in Kansas. A small apartment near a vibrant playground filled with life felt like home. My mother was balancing taking care of my brother and me, so she took the opportunity to attend community college to get her GED. She never had the chance to finish her education in Burma before fleeing to Thailand because of the military. My father, who had never been able to attend preschool, worked endless hours, providing for our family. Bills were overwhelming, and that part-time job my mother picked up turned into a full-time job. Timely, taking care of two kids and prioritizing getting her GED was impossible. Her second chance at life with her education faded into another far-reach dream. The realization hit me: education was a key that could unlock a world of possibilities within me, including changing generational boundaries and accessing opportunities of education that would not be stripped away from me.

College is a privilege. A privilege and chance that have been given to me that would not be possible if I weren’t standing physically in this country right now. Truthfully, a part of my education has always been dedicated to my parents; I have always known that part of me wants to fulfill it for them and attend college. It wasn’t until 10th grade that I stopped looking at a college as a requirement but more of a milestone. I knew I didn’t want to stop learning with the health classes I chose or the programs I attended in high school; I had a burning desire to continue learning. I acknowledge that college is a significant investment in myself, not just education. It is a chance in my life that will turn into a life-changing opportunity, giving me hands-on experience that I would not be able to receive without a college education. It is a stepping stone to my goal of being a registered nurse.

This summer, I had the opportunity to do a nursing internship with Saint Luke’s Health System through ProX. The opportunity to shadow nurses and health professionals made me view healthcare from such a different perspective. I always viewed the hospital as a dull and intimidating place growing up, and I never imagined a little girl like me from Thailand working there. However, seeing a particular patient’s face light up gives them a sense of relief when they realize we share a common language. Many in my community fear getting health checkups or getting the resources they need because of the fear of communication barriers or costs; I understood the importance of bridging that gap. I recognized the lack of representation of ethnicity in the health care system. I want to be a guide for my community. I want to provide resources to my community and let those who are children of refugees know that it is not a dream but a reality they can achieve.

As I glimpse my future, I envision myself in an environment and doing something that continues to challenge my limits and develop genuine connections every day. Nursing isn’t just a certificate to check vitals and chart down patients’ health; it is also an inner powerful strength that will continue to grow every day of my life while making an impact. Reaching those dreams of being a nurse seemed so foreign back then, but I have never been so determined to make the dream come true. I know that high school may mark the end of my childhood, but it is just the beginning of my purpose and impact on society.