Hobbies and interests
Photography and Photo Editing
Painting and Studio Art
Community Service And Volunteering
Travel And Tourism
I read books multiple times per month
Hello! My name is Cathy and I'm a first-generation Vietnamese American student that is interested in pursuing a career in optometry. I chose this path because I think that sufficient vision is a must to enjoy all the beautiful wonders this world has to offer. I don't know what I would do if I couldn't see my loved ones' faint smiles of joy or wonderous vibrant colors. I'm on a pre-med track, but during my free time, I love to go out and take pictures and paint! I believe it's important to work hard and play hard. Life is too short for me to only study all the time.
University of California-Irvine
Bachelor's degree programMajors:
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
Colony High School
Desired degree level:
Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)
Graduate schools of interest:
Transfer schools of interest:
Majors of interest:
Dream career field:
Hospital & Health Care
Dream career goals:
Poke Boat2021 – 2021Teaching Assistant
Kumon2018 – 20191 year
Club2017 – 20203 years
Junior Varsity2020 – 20211 year
Photography2018 – 2020
Pomona Thanksgiving Drive — front worker- create packages and pass them out2013 – PresentVolunteering
Red Cross — President2018 – 2020Volunteering
GDPT — Youth Leader2017 – Present
Bold Memories Scholarship
As I sat in my 8th-grade homeroom class listening to my teacher give instructions on our final community service project, something sparked within as I finished my notes and rushed to my next period. Following the route of making PSAs for recycling and bullying was not enough to impact our community on a larger scale. I wanted to bring my ideas to life by organizing a team that would focus on making an impact on the community close to my heart. That’s when I came up with “Pencils for Peers”.
“Pencils for Peers” was a project where I would collect school supplies and donate them to a children’s foster care home. This specific community did not receive a lot of support, yet when I read letters from children waiting for hope, something had to be done. From contacting a foster home to creating posters, setting up donation boxes, doing presentations, and delivering over 400 supplies, everything was set. Although it was challenging, seeing smiles on their faces and warmth in their eyes was the most satisfying reward; it reassured me that my efforts were worthwhile.
Through this project, I learned how to be open-minded to others’ ideas. Not only did I make a difference in someone's life, but I've also built bonds with people who share the same passion to better the world. I learned that I had to be resourceful and adaptable. Even though it has been years since I first got involved in leading projects, I have not stopped yet. I fell in love with this activity as time went on, so in high school, I applied for multiple positions in various clubs to work directly with our school and community. I am always trying to improve my skills to help people live better lives.
Bold Mentor Scholarship
When I was younger, I was indifferent about learning my culture and traditions. Now that I think back to it, while my immigrant parents were not assimilated to American culture, I was. Rejecting my religion and identity was one of the greatest mistakes and regrets. I realized that it was essential to embrace it instead of pushing it away. I did not want others to be ashamed or ignorant as I was, so I tried to guide them in an environment with people who felt the same way.
Through a Buddhist Cultural Center, I am able to help my community of young Asian Americans understand and appreciate Vietnamese culture better as a youth leader. I first joined the cultural center to develop my native language and learn about Buddhism. Over time, I became more involved and was promoted to leader. I help kids learn Vietnamese while teaching lessons about Buddhism too. Since I'm the youngest leader, I act as a facilitator and help resolve issues or address concerns that students may have.
My contributions give kids my age and younger a chance to express themselves and reconnect with their background while enriching the community with Vietnamese culture. This is the most meaningful work that I can relate to personally. Even though the workload can be heavy and time-consuming, every moment is worth it as new experiences are gained and lifelong friends are made. I am growing and learning with my mentees at the same time. The feedback from kids saying that they love what we are doing is encouraging. Wanting to be more involved, they begin to help out too. More people are informed about our purpose and become very supportive. Helping the next generation of youths appreciate their backgrounds and more communities in need is my greatest accomplishment.