I was a year away from my biology degree at
the University of the Philippines, and was on my way to med
school when economic hardship forced my family to come to the US
in search of a better future. Becoming a nurse, I realized,
would best fulfill that future. Fall 2004, I began to pursue this
path at Highline Community College. This was also the beginning
of many sleepless nights of worrying. I worried that I would not
have enough finances to finish my education, and that all the
sacrifices my parents were making would be wasted. I worried
that if I am unable to support my education here, I could become
out of status with Immigrations, and have to go back to my
country without a fighting chance.
My fears were so many I was drowning in
them. I wanted nothing more than to become a nurse, have a
career I love, and help my family at the same time. I wanted it
so much it hurt to think it could all be taken away—again. With
great passion I settled for nothing short of excellence in my
academic performance. I had hoped that my hard work would be
enough to win me a scholarship or any kind of financial aid. To
my disappointment, all of the scholarships I looked at were not
available to international students.
With nothing to lose, I registered for
Honors 100. I had heard many students say the class pointed them
in the right direction, and at the time, I needed all the help I
could get. I realize now that could not have made a better
decision. Honors program was, and still is, for students, US
citizens and non-residents alike. For the first time, I felt
like an international student actually had a fair chance at
getting help. Dr. Clinton worked with me to turn all my fears,
all the big blows I experienced in the past into beautiful,
touching, and winning statements. Through the class I was able
to embrace the things that make me stand out, and share them in
a way that demands attention. With Dr. Clinton’s help, I found
the right scholarships, and won them. The most beautiful thing
is that Dr. Clinton did not stop helping me after the class was
over. She became my greatest resource and will remain so for
life.
The confidence I gained from taking Honors
100 is almost greater than writing winning personal statements
and résumés. The class made me see that there is no limit to
what I can achieve if I continue to challenge myself. Since
then, I learned how to put my best qualities forward and set
myself up for success. I persevered to get employment
authorization from the Immigration and Naturalization Service,
and have been working as a Critical Care Nurse Technician—a
position offered to nursing students—at Valley Medical Center.
In June 2007, I will graduate from HCC Registered Nursing
Program. I am grateful to Dr. Clinton and the Honors Program for
giving me the tools I needed to get this far.
