Bridge to Success
A first-generation Vietnamese immigrant, Vy arrived in the United States at a young age, carrying with her the hopes and dreams of her family. Today, she is a proud graduate of The Preuss School UC San Diego and a freshman at Northwestern University, where she is double-majoring in Global Health Studies and Psychology. Her journey has been shaped by her hard work and the unwavering support of A Bridge for Kids (ABFK).
Vy grew up in a low-income household, where her parents worked tirelessly - her father as a tailor and her mother as a nail technician - to provide for her and her younger sister. Despite the financial and emotional challenges of immigrating to a new country, Vy embraced her circumstances with gratitude and determination. In her personal statement as a freshman, she shared:
"In the U.S, my parents left for work until 7 in the evening, 6 days a week... Despite my parents' hard work, we still had to rely on state welfare benefits to cover our food and health. To repay them, I took over any responsibilities I could."
Vy’s early encounters with healthcare inspired her passion for dermatology, gastroenterology, and psychiatry, particularly to address the stigmas surrounding mental health in the Asian community. She also nurtured her creative side through photography, art, and cooking, strengthening her mind and body while dreaming of a brighter future.
Through A Bridge for Kids, Vy found the support she needed to transform her dreams into reality. She participated in mentorship, SAT prep classes, College Application workshops, scholarships, and Health & Wellness outings. Reflecting on her experiences, she shared:
"ABFK has helped me take advantage of every opportunity given to me, such as the Arete program where I get to exercise with friends or the SAT class that helped improve my score."
Beyond academic preparation, ABFK introduced Vy to a supportive community where she formed lasting friendships.
"ABFK has allowed me to make some amazing friendships," she said.
Now at Northwestern University, Vy is thriving, embracing a rigorous academic schedule and preparing to make a lasting impact in the fields of healthcare and mental health advocacy. Her story exemplifies how programs like A Bridge for Kids can unlock the full potential of hardworking, ambitious students.
For Vy, ABFK was not just a bridge, it was a launchpad to a future filled with promise. Her journey is a testament to what can be achieved when talent is nurtured, opportunities are provided, and a community stands behind its youth.