A Dream Deferred: Linda Vongsathian Finishes What She Started 16 Years Ago

A Dream Deferred: Linda Vongsathian Finishes What She Started 16 Years Ago

Linda Vongsathian has been working toward this commencement for 16 years.

In 2010, while completing her undergraduate studies at San Diego State University, Vongsathian applied to nursing schools and only received rejections. It was a painful detour that redirected her toward a degree in public health and then a career in biomedical diagnostics.

But the goal never fully left her.

"Although it took me 16 years to get to this finish line, I am happy I never gave up on this career," said Vongsathian, who is graduating from The University of Toledo College of Health and Human Services with a master's degree in nursing.

The journey between those nursing school rejections and this UToledo commencement ran through unexpected territory.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Vongsathian's biomedical team developed one of the first at-home PCR testing devices. A clinical trial for the test was conducted in Toledo, planting a seed for this next step in her healthcare journey.

"Taking that step, leaving San Diego and everything familiar, was a significant risk," she said. "But it turned out to be a pivotal moment in my nursing journey. It truly felt like everything was finally aligning."

Vongsathian said she chose UToledo specifically for its smaller program size and the pace of Midwestern life that stood in sharp contrast to Southern California.

"Moving here provided a sense of calm and clarity that I hadn't experienced before," she said. "In many ways, Toledo became the setting I needed to reset, refocus and ultimately recenter myself."

Dr. Kelly Phillips, department chair of the School of Nursing, said Vongsathian has been a model student.

"Linda is an empathetic, caring and positive individual who from day one of her nursing program provided encouragement and support to her classmates," Phillips said. "She is always a positive influence."

Vongsathian nearly didn't make it through the program, as personal challenges back home during her second semester pushed her to consider withdrawing from the University.

It was faculty support that kept her in it.

"Dr. Myers, in particular, spoke so much confidence and encouragement into me when I needed it most," Vongsathian said. "If it weren't for her and Dr. Mitchell, I truly would not be where I am today."

Myers, the interim program director for graduate entry MSN, said Vongsathian's journey is a true reflection of courage, resilience and dedication.

"Linda has faced and overcome significant health challenges, yet she has continued to persevere with determination and grace," Myers said. "Despite starting this journey without a local support system, she has built lasting friendships and a strong community within her cohort. She is respected and well-liked by her peers, a testament to her kindness and strength of character."

Vongsathian said her cohort played a big factor as well in her ability to work through the tribulations.

"Even though we were all exhausted and facing our own challenges, they continued to uplift and encourage me," she said. "That sense of camaraderie pushed me to keep going."

But the feeling of true belonging didn't set in until a hectic overnight shift culminated with a call from a stroke patient. The patient didn't need immediate care but wanted to tell her she was going to be a great nurse.

For Vongsathian, that validation carried more weight than the patient could have known.

"It felt like a full circle moment," she said. "For the first time, I felt like it was my 'Aha, this is it!' moment."

Years earlier, she had found her grandfather, Bouathong Vongsathian, unconscious at home, not realizing until later that he was having a stroke. He survived but was left with lasting effects, including partial paralysis, vision loss and difficulties with speech. He has been one of her greatest sources of inspiration throughout her education.

Her grandfather, a refugee who was the first in the Vongsathian family to come to the United States and who helped raise her, remains close to her heart as she crosses the finish line.

"I decided to pursue a master's degree in nursing because I was interested in the leadership and management opportunities the degree offers," Vongsathian said. "My undergraduate degree is in public health, and I saw nursing as a natural extension that would open more doors for direct patient care and community engagement."

Vongsathian said clinical mentors also shaped how she hopes to practice, particularly her preceptor, float nurse Jenna.

"Jenna demonstrated strong patient advocacy, often speaking up when something didn't seem right or when she felt a care plan needed to be reconsidered," she said. "Watching her navigate complex situations with confidence and compassion had a lasting impact on how I hope to practice as a nurse."

After graduation, Vongsathian said she plans to pursue emergency room nursing with a long-term goal of becoming a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner. She is applying for ER positions in California, Colorado and Hawaii, and within a decade said she hopes to become a flight nurse.

She also plans to volunteer in search and rescue and disaster relief efforts.

"Being a nurse isn't what makes you a good person," Vongsathian said. "It's the values you carry with you."