Feb 11, 2025
QianQian Chen's journey to becoming a nursing student at Langara College is fueled by personal tragedy and the compassionate care she received after the loss of her daughter. Balancing motherhood and studies, she aims to inspire others with her resilience and commitment to empathy in healthcare.
A life-changing decision.
QianQian Chen's path to nursing has been anything but conventional. Born in China in 1987, she first earned a degree in economics, followed by a master's in accounting. After six years in real estate, she and her family relocated to the United States in 2015, spending over four years in Massachusetts and Washington. In search of a better fit, they relocated to Vancouver in early 2020—just before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Adjusting to life in Canada came with its challenges. “The culture, the language—everything was different from China,” she reflects. Yet, she found comfort in Vancouver’s diverse community, especially among the Asian population, which made settling down easier. The kindness of Canadians helped ease her transition during a particularly tumultuous time.
Finding strength through tragedy.
In March 2022, QianQian suffered an unimaginable loss: her first daughter, Ritz, passed away unexpectedly. As she navigated grief, she discovered the support and compassion of healthcare professionals, which profoundly influenced her career path. “The nurses were incredibly empathetic; they made me feel heard and cared for,” she shares. This experience ignited a passion within her to contribute to the healthcare field, leading her to apply to Langara’s Nursing program as a mature student.
Choosing a new path to give back.
Becoming a Langaran was a decisive step for QianQian. She appreciated the College’s supportive environment and streamlined prerequisites, which allowed her to apply after completing her foundational courses. “Langara was the only nursing school I applied to; I felt it was where I belonged,” she notes.
Now immersed in her studies, QianQian faces the dual challenge of balancing coursework with raising her second daughter. Her solution? Waking up at 4:00 AM to study before her family responsibilities take over in the evening. Despite the demanding schedule, QianQian has found Langara’s nursing program to be a welcoming community that has nurtured her growth and resilience.
A future rooted in compassion.
Qianqian’s experiences have shaped her approach to nursing. She aims to be a source of hope and empathy for her future patients, inspired by the care she received during her darkest days.
I want to build therapeutic relationships with my patients, helping them feel heard and cared for.
This desire to give back is fueled not only by her personal journey but also by the support she received from both the healthcare community and her classmates at Langara.
QianQian’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of finding purpose in the face of adversity. She hopes to inspire others, particularly those overcoming language barriers and personal tragedies. “Find your intrinsic passion; it will drive you to achieve your goals,” she advises. As she continues her studies, she carries a powerful reminder of her journey—her stethoscope, engraved with the names of her daughters.
Through her work, she honours her daughter Ritz’s memory, turning her pain into a purpose-driven career in healthcare.
Langara Nursing is hosting information sessions this spring. Learn more about the program and register today by visiting the Nursing program webpage.
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