Carolyn Nguyen, a senior and CeO Office Student Staff member, exemplifies resilience and leadership as she pursues her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. From navigating the challenges of a competitive, rigorous, limited-enrollment program to serving her campus community through clinical care and community involvement, she has channeled her determination and dedication into her passion for nursing, building a meaningful and purpose-driven career in healthcare.
When Carolyn first stepped into the Center for Educational Opportunity (CeO) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, she was navigating a space filled with unfamiliar systems and expectations. As a First Generation Asian American college student, she had learned independence early–figuring out the college application process largely on her own–but adjusting to campus life was still intimidating and overwhelming at times. Rather than holding her back, these challenges pushed her to grow, adapt, and seek out opportunities that would shape her path forward.
Carolyn knew she wanted to become a nurse, but like many students in competitive programs, she struggled with imposter syndrome. The Traditional Bachelors of Science in Nursing (TBSN) program at UW-Madison is highly selective, with nearly 300 applicants each year competing for about 150 seats, and it was easy to feel out of place. Many of her peers came in with CNA experience or with parents and close family members in nursing, and she often felt that others were more knowledgeable and experienced than she was. The long list of prerequisites and the pressure to maintain strong academic performance made the process demanding, and at times, overwhelming.
Yet Carolyn is a testament to perseverance, academic growth, and a deep commitment to healthcare professionalism. While CeO became an important anchor in her journey, it was Carolyn’s determination that defined her path. In the advising offices inside Ingraham Hall, where she also works as a CeO Office Student Staff member, she found not only guidance but a community where she has built strong connections and lasting friendships, mentored fellow students, and continued to grow as a leader.
Balancing a demanding course load with clinical preparation, extracurricular commitments, and responsibilities outside the classroom required long hours and careful time management. At times, the application process and its many requirements felt overwhelming, but Carolyn continued to move forward. Through her experiences on campus and within the community, she steadily built confidence in her skills, voice, and sense of purpose. Over time, she began to see herself not just as someone hoping to become a nurse, but as someone actively becoming one.
Now as a senior in the UW–Madison School of Nursing, Carolyn worked at a flu and COVID-19 vaccination clinic at Ogg Hall. Wearing clinical scrubs, she prepared supplies and assisted with vaccine administration, applying the skills she had developed through her coursework and clinical experiences. The pre-nursing student who once questioned her place had grown into a confident and capable future nurse.
At the clinic, Carolyn greets a familiar face, the CeO Office Manager Steve Manthey, who had been there during the early part of her nursing studies, listening as she talked through the challenges of balancing school, work, and everything in between. Now, he was there in person to receive vaccinations, and she was the one providing his care–a meaningful full-circle moment that reflected how far she had come.
Administering a vaccine takes only a few seconds, but for Carolyn, it represents years of steady work and growth. It reflects the long hours spent studying, the advising conversations that helped strengthen her confidence, and the many moments she chose to persevere despite challenges.
Carolyn’s accomplishments speak for themselves:
- Acceptance into one of Wisconsin’s most competitive BSN programs and into the Nursing Honors Program, recognizing her commitment to scholarship and research
- Gaining clinical and community health experience abroad through a global health experience in Malawi, Africa
- Maintaining strong academic performance while balancing work responsibilities, clinical rotations, honors research, and ongoing community service and volunteer involvement
- Serving the CeO community for multiple years as a Peer Navigator and Lead Peer Navigator, mentoring first-generation scholars, and continuing that commitment as a CeO Office Student Staff member and engaged community leader
- Co-authoring and presenting at a national conference, “The Experiences of BIPOC Individuals with Diverse Abilities and How They Impact Self-Efficacy”
As she reflects on her journey, Carolyn shares:
“I faced a lot of obstacles and struggled with self-efficacy and feelings of belonging, but CeO has been a huge support system for me. CeO’s advisors and accessible resources consistently encouraged me and reminded me that I was not doing this alone. CeO helped empower me to persevere and continue working toward my goals in nursing. Looking back, every challenge I overcame showed me that I was capable of more than I thought, even when things felt out of reach. Now, in my final semester of nursing school, I feel grateful for what I’ve accomplished and proud to be so close to graduating and becoming an RN.”
Carolyn’s story is not only about academic achievement, but about growth, perseverance, and the impact of having the right support system. Through challenges, encouragement, and hard work, she has built the confidence to pursue her goals in nursing. As she prepares to graduate, she carries forward not only the skills she has developed, but also a deep appreciation for the community that helped her get there.