Jan 23, 2025
Langara College nursing student Theresa Mah was recently honoured an academic award and scholarship, which have bolstered her confidence and career aspirations in healthcare. Drawing on her personal experiences growing up in an immigrant family, she is committed to bridging language barriers and providing compassionate, patient-centered care. Her story highlights the transformative impact of donor support, empowering students to overcome financial challenges and achieve their dreams while fostering a legacy of community care.
For Langara Bachelor of Nursing student Theresa Mah, resilience and passion have been central to her journey toward a career in healthcare. Now in her seventh term Theresa was recently honoured with the Catherine Pierson Award and the Langara Student Union (LSU) Nursing Award, recognizing her academic excellence and dedication.
She shared her inspiring story at Langara’s "Celebrating Generosity" donor reception, shedding light on how community support has transformed her experience.
Discovering purpose through early clinical experience.
Theresa’s initial decision to pursue nursing was rooted in practicality and a love for science. However, Langara’s program structure opened her eyes to the deeper impact of nursing.
“What really stuck with me was that we start clinical in our first term,” she shares. “I got to help patients and experience the fulfillment that comes with nursing.” This early exposure cemented her commitment to a career of service, blending medical knowledge with compassionate care.
Reflecting on her recent pediatric and maternity rotation, Theresa highlighted the holistic, family-centered approach she has grown to appreciate. This philosophy, which prioritizes personalized care, resonates deeply with her, particularly given her personal experiences. Growing up in an immigrant family, Theresa witnessed firsthand the challenges her Chinese-speaking mother faced navigating the healthcare system. This inspired her to use her language skills in Mandarin and Cantonese to bridge gaps for patients with similar barriers.
Beyond academics: The power of support.
Theresa’s achievements this year go beyond academics; they represent acknowledgment and encouragement.
“Receiving these awards made me feel like I can have bigger dreams,” she explains. “It’s given me the confidence to pursue opportunities I might not have considered before.” The financial support allowed her to enroll in an additional specialized course, bringing her closer to her goal of working in high-acuity settings and potentially transitioning into research or leadership roles.
During the donor reception, Theresa expressed her gratitude to Langara’s supporters, emphasizing the transformative power of donations.
Your generosity allows us to focus on our goals without constant financial worries. It’s more than just financial support; it’s a belief in our potential and the importance of nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Building a legacy of care.
Theresa’s journey reflects the broader impact of community support for students. For many aspiring healthcare professionals, scholarships and awards provide not only financial relief but also affirmation of their dedication and potential.
“I tell my peers all the time to apply,” she encourages. “Who knows? You could be the next one to receive this kind of life-changing support.”
With the support of donors, Langara College continues to empower students like Theresa, fostering a legacy of care that extends far beyond the classroom.
Langara College and the Langara Student Union offer a number of awards and scholarships to domestic and international students across a wide range of academic areas. Find out what you qualify for and what the application timeline is.
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