Student Spotlight - Mailee Xiong Nguyen

Mailee Xiong Nguyen is the first generation in her family to attend college. A Hmong refugee, she chose EvCC because it was close to home, affordable, and because of the nursing school. "Every instructor in the nursing program has played a significant role in helping me succeed" she said. "They pushed me beyond my comfort zone, challenged me to think critically, and encouraged me to believe in myself." Now that she's earned her Nursing AAS-DTA/MRP, Mailee will pursue her BSN at the University of Washington, Bothell. "From the classroom to the clinical settings, my instructors have imparted invaluable lessons that will stay with me throughout my entire nursing career," she said. "I will never forget the skills they taught me and how to be a safe nurse to all my patients."

Tell me a little bit about yourself, including the degree or certificate you earned from EvCC. 

Hello, my name is Mailee Xiong Nguyen. I am a Hmong refugee and first generation to attend college in my family. I earned my Nursing AAS-DTA/MRP.

Why did you choose EvCC?

It was close to home, affordable, and because of the nursing program.

Who has helped you succeed at EvCC? What did that person do to help you? 

Every instructor in the nursing program has played a significant role in helping me succeed. They pushed me beyond my comfort zone, challenged me to think critically, and encouraged me to believe in myself. They go above and beyond to make sure that every student succeeds. I gained so much knowledge and skills from every one of them. 

What do you plan to do next?

I will be pursuing my BSN at University of Washington Bothell. 

What interested you about your area of study?

Being an advocate for my patients, helping patients at their most vulnerable moments and making a difference in my community. 

How do you think the skills you learned at EvCC are helping you reach your goals?

From the classroom to the clinical settings, my instructors have imparted invaluable lessons that will stay with me throughout my entire nursing career. I will never forget the skills they taught me and how to be a safe nurse to all my patients.

Describe the best experience you had at EvCC.

The best experience I had at EvCC was meeting so many amazing instructors and friends from different cultures and backgrounds.

The friends I made had formed an unbreakable bond that extended beyond the classroom. We became a family, supporting and lifting each other to overcome challenges. We helped push each other when at our lowest and never left anyone behind. Even during the hardest times, we still managed to laugh and joke with each other.

What advice do you have for new students?

Get out of your comfort zone, say "hi" to everyone, be open minded, make new friends, try new things especially food, learn from each other, take lots of pictures and most of all be KIND to everyone!

Is there anything else you’d like to add? 

Enjoy your time and make memories because after school, you will be working for the rest of your life! Thank you Everett Community College! I am forever grateful for this experience!