Scholarship Finalist - Phuongvi Pham

Phuongvi Pham is a student at Southern Methodist University studying Finance and Psychology

Prompt: Share a personal story of how you overcame a major life challenge or obstacle and what lessons you learned that prepared you for college and beyond. How will these experiences provide you with a unique perspective in pursuing a career in business?

Growing up battling cancer is one of the proudest things I have accomplished in my entire lifetime. It has taught me to be more grateful in life, marking the beginning of my resilient journey. I'm proud to call myself a childhood cancer survivor, and witnessing what I had to witness at a young age has propelled my future career aspirations. Growing up surrounded by the four walls of the hospital room at all times did play more of an effect on me than I show in real life, I knew I wanted to grow up helping those in the healthcare department, but didn't necessarily want to work in the healthcare or medical force. So I decided to go on the best route for myself as I've learned over the years, in business. This experience has provided me with a unique perspective on pursuing a business career, as it has not only highlighted my resilience but also revealed my strengths and weaknesses. I've now come to realize that I excel in career workplaces that center around finance, management, hospitality, and all things related to the business world. I'm actively looking for financial or management internships revolving around the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society or with the Children's Hospital. This life-altering experience has not only taught me life skills, to be grateful and resilient, but it also provided me with a career route designed just for me. I've always known that I wanted to help patients in the same boat as me, just in my own way, and that's with pursuing a career in the business world.