To commemorate their journeys from application to graduation, ACT has invited these scholars to share their stories. Jennifer Bui is a first-generation Asian American college student at Kirkwood Community College, pursuing an Associate Degree in Nursing. Following her graduation in spring 2025, she plans to pursue her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Iowa with hopes to one day achieve her dream job of becoming a nurse practitioner.
Who was your motivation for going to college?
My parents are my biggest motivation to go to college. I always knew that I wanted to go to college, but with my parents' support and motivation to excel in school, it made me want to go to college even more and get a degree in the major of my choosing. Having two immigrant parents and seeing how hard they worked to support me made me want to go to college and get an education because I was put in a position to be able to.
What are you currently studying? What degree do you hope to earn?
I’m currently finishing up my prerequisite courses to enter the nursing program and obtain an Associate Degree in Nursing at Kirkwood. After that, I plan on furthering my education at the University of Iowa and obtaining my Bachelor of Science in Nursing and going back to school to become a nurse practitioner.
Why did you select this area of study?
I selected the medical field – specifically nursing – because I've always known I wanted to be something in the medical field. In high school, I obtained my certified nursing assistant license and realized that I wanted to be a nurse and help people.
Who inspired or supported you in your college-going journey?
My parents supported me, but my aunt inspired me and showed me that college is possible. Seeing my aunt go to college and go through her own journey and the hardships she faced but persevered through inspired me at a young age, making me want to go to college and be a first-generation college student.
What was the biggest challenge you faced as a college student and how are you working to overcome it?
My biggest challenge as a college student would be time management. Finding a balance between my personal and school life has helped a lot with time management and self-discipline.
What advice would you give to a first-generation college student today?
Keep on going and enjoy the time you are at college. Joining new clubs, making friends, and excelling in your schoolwork are all things that are beneficial and something all college students should try to achieve.
What goals have you set for yourself? How do you plan to achieve them?
My main goals are to excel in school and graduate from Kirkwood and the University of Iowa and get my degrees. I hope to achieve this by getting better at self-discipline and time management.
What does this ACT scholarship mean to you?
The ACT scholarship means a lot to me and I'm very appreciative and grateful to have been awarded this scholarship. This scholarship has helped me with the financial burdens that can come with college and has helped me to further my education.