As the daughter of a Vietnamese immigrant who wanted the world for her children, I was given the opportunity through the Springboard USA Foundation to attend a boarding school in Kansas without cost. I earned scholarships and grants that provided for my academic journey and extracurricular opportunities my single mother could not easily afford. This allowed me access to rigorous learning standards and engagement in a diverse community of friends coming from all around the globe. Through my experiences attending an international boarding school, I was able to grow into the young woman I am today. Given great opportunities, despite differences and shortcomings, I was able to strive towards aspirations that can change the world. The climb was not easy, and many times I was met with obstacles that threatened what I stood for, all because of my economic and cultural background, including my own last name. It was hard to make a name for myself in a place so caught up in determining a student’s value by their backgrounds rather than by their abilities, but I never gave up.

As a Maur Hill—Mount Academy student, I have achieved a top academic rankings, became a QuestBridge Member, awarded as a National Merit Finalist, earned a spot as a student and dorm leader, placed 3rd in state in powerlifting 2023 and 2nd in 2024, and was Captain of the Raven Dance Team.
None of these successes would have been accomplished if it was not for my hard-working mother: my role model. She has worked so much to make sure I can be the best version of myself. She is my biggest supporter and my best friend. Raising our family all alone, I am truly inspired by her perseverance and patience for my brother and me. The gratitude and achievements will not stop here, don’t you worry! I am soon committing to Notre Dame; blessed to be paying little to none for attending. I will major in Biological Sciences and minor in Business Economics. Through financial aid, all of this is possible and my mother will not have to worry about picking up multiple jobs to pay off tuition. Furthering my career, I plan to go into international orthodontistry.

As an international orthodontist, I will treat patients who, regardless of where they live, how they live, or their economic ability to pay, will be able to obtain good dental care. Many humans living in second and third world countries go without the basic dental care so many of us take for granted. In my home country of Vietnam, many decline medical care due to their lack of affordability. I cannot solve the causes of world hunger, but I can change the effects of it. I want to be a role model to others, inspiring others to “Change the World ” rather than waiting for that change to come from others.