During a summer camp in 11th grade, Bảo Khánh spent ten days caring for a child with Down Syndrome. The child required constant assistance, from personal hygiene to daily activities. Every morning, Khánh would help the child brush their teeth, wash their face, get dressed, and eat breakfast, forging a deep and meaningful bond over their shared time together. This experience opened Khánh’s eyes to the impact she could have on the lives of others, sparking a profound desire to create meaningful change for children with disabilities.

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Inspired by this connection, Khánh sought ways to amplify her impact. She joined a team developing the course “The Prevalence of Disabilities Worldwide.” While working on the project, Khánh learned about striking differences in how mental disabilities are classified in the West compared to Vietnam. This newfound understanding fueled her passion and solidified her commitment to advocating for children with disabilities, recognizing that raising awareness is the first step to fostering societal change.

A Community of Support
Khánh’s determination to reach her dream of attending UC Irvine was bolstered by the encouragement and assistance of her mentors and peers, especially through her involvement in CoCoon—a community built on the “pay-it-forward” philosophy. Here, Khánh found like-minded individuals who worked together on impactful projects and competitions, fostering both personal and professional growth.

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One particularly memorable moment occurred during her application to a UC Berkeley program. With just an hour left before the deadline, Khánh realized she had forgotten to upload her CV. Panic-stricken but resolute, she quickly began drafting it, aided by two mentors from CoCoon—one in the midst of his Ph.D. studies and the other juggling personal commitments. Their support enabled Khánh to submit her application just in time, reinforcing her belief in the power of community.

Khánh embodied the “pay-it-forward” spirit through her own projects, including EcoEater, an app designed to redistribute surplus food to underserved communities. This initiative earned second place in a regional competition, securing a prize of 50 million VND and recognition across Southeast Asia. Through these experiences, Khánh came to appreciate the transformative power of belonging to a community dedicated to mutual growth and shared aspirations.

A Passion for Science and Social Impact
Khánh’s love for STEM began in childhood, nurtured by her fascination with science-themed anime. As she grew older, stories from mentors and role models solidified her desire to pursue a career in this field. Her UC Irvine application essay reflected this passion through a unique lens—women’s empowerment and contraceptive access.

In her essay, Khánh highlighted the story of a nurse who revolutionized women’s reproductive health by developing contraceptives, enabling women to balance their careers and family planning. For Khánh, this narrative held personal significance. Her grandmother, an avid scholar, had to abandon her education due to an unplanned pregnancy. Khánh imagined how access to contraception might have allowed her grandmother to continue her academic journey while embracing motherhood on her own terms.

Drawing inspiration from these stories, Khánh aspires to break barriers in STEM, using her knowledge to create innovations that benefit society, particularly for women. Her dream is to empower others, much like the nurse who inspired her essay.

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Looking Ahead
As Bảo Khánh prepares to embark on her journey at the prestigious UC Irvine, her story serves as a testament to resilience, community, and the power of dreams. MiYork is confident that Khánh’s passion and drive will lead her to remarkable achievements, and we can’t wait to see the impact she will make in the years to come.

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