Quyen was born in Vietnam, immigrating to the United States in high school, only three and a half years before we met, in the fall of 2009. She had to learn the language and the culture, all the while keeping focused on her dream to be a nurse, which would have been impossible in Vietnam. Her parents came here for a better life for their only daughter, at the encouragement of her grandparents who have lived here for many years. Quyen quickly set to her studies, maintaining a 3.6 G.P.A. and making honor roll every year at Pike High School.

Quyen will be a senior this fall at IUPUI where she is pursuing her dream in the respected IUPUI nursing program. After working very hard, she received the exciting acceptance and spring 2012 Quyen officially began pursuing her dream of becoming a nurse, where she feels she can most help others, as well as her proud family. She has a work ethic that is a role model for all who meet her. There is a fire within her to succeed, whereby lifting herself out of the poverty-ridden life of her childhood. She maintains a 3.42 G.P.A. in the rigorous IUPUI nursing program.

In addition to her academic pursuits, Quyen is sensitive to the needs of others and shows heartfelt compassion. She has been a valuable volunteer for the L.I.F.T. Foundation, mentoring young children working to improve their standardized test scores. She always makes herself available, no matter her busy schedule. One has a sense that she believes there just never is enough time to learn all she wants to take in.

“Knowledge will open doors for me and allow me the freedom to experience more in the future. I look forward to learning what freedom truly means once I have the knowledge to take advantage of the opportunities afforded me. I look forward to the spiritual freedom I will experience when I use my knowledge to help others and make a difference in the world.”