This year, the LBCC Foundation referred over 5 compelling student applications; two were single mothers raising 3-4 kids while trying to earn a college degree, a young man motivated to become a firefighter and much more, an aspirant to be a trainer for professional sport team, and last but not least, the persistent Joelle Diaz who has a passion for health care. We selected Ms. Joelle Diaz to be the recipient the Jimmy Nhat Nguyen Scholarship for the school year 2024-2025, not only because of the glowing reference letters from her chemistry teacher and work supervisor, but because of her perseverance through all hardships while maintaining a positive outlook and caring personality. As her teacher wrote: "She (Joelle Diaz) will continue to succeed in her studies and be an asset to our community for years to come..." We would be lucky to be under her care some day!
Growing up, my mother and I navigated a challenging journey, relying on the support of extended family for shelter. As the only child of a single parent, my mother faced the complexities of life with legal-status challenges and physical disabilities, rendering employment an unattainable luxury.
Our living situation often meant humble accommodations—sleeping on floors, garages, or couches. The harsh reality of our circumstances became even more apparent when, at the young age of ten, I witnessed my mother's hospitalization due to a fractured hip. During this time, I learned the delicate art of caring for myself and my only parent. My mother, valiantly but perhaps unwisely, neglected her health, avoiding medical professionals until the fracture led to a shocking discovery—a tumor quietly growing within her kidney. This revelation marked a turning point, emphasizing the importance of health maintenance that life's daily struggles had overshadowed. Despite these hardships, I remained dedicated to my academic pursuits, maintaining high grades throughout high school. The pandemic onset during my junior year posed new challenges but did not dampen my initiative. With the intent to pursue a nursing career, I applied to several programs during my senior year, eventually finding a unique opportunity through volunteer work at the Presbyterian Intercommunity Health Hospital in Downey.
While my initial nursing program aspirations didn't materialize, I embraced an alternative path. I opted for a community college education at Long Beach City College and became a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) at the Nurses Development Center, benefiting from the Harbor Youth Source program that covered my training expenses. This marked the beginning of a journey focused on academics and gaining practical experience in the healthcare field. In the fall of 2021, I took on a work-study role at LBCC's Viking Vault, ensuring that students met basic needs like food, housing, and transportation. Simultaneously, I worked full-time as a CNA at Affinity Health Care Center. The long hours and diverse responsibilities, from working in primary care to aiding patients with daily activities, instilled a growing confidence in my ability to contribute meaningfully to the healthcare profession.
In February of 2022, I applied for and found relief in the Hope Housing program, a transitional housing initiative for students grappling with housing insecurity. This program provided a stable environment and essential support, including groceries and dedicated student case managers, who became pillars in my academic and personal journey. Determined to pay it forward, I applied for the President's Ambassador/Peer Advisor role at LBCC. In this capacity, I extend a helping hand, offering campus tours to the community and sharing the Long Beach Promise with 4th graders and high school students. My journey is one of resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to turning adversity into opportunities for growth. Through my experiences, I aim to build a future for myself and inspire empathy and understanding towards the struggles faced by those navigating similar paths.