Finding Her Life’s Purpose Through the Lens of Science
Bao is a boarding student at Lake Forest Academy in Illinois. With a perfect 4.0 GPA, a rigorous AP course load, accolades from Science Olympiad, research experience, competitive sports, and a passion for writing, she stood out not just for her intellect but for her unwavering clarity of purpose.
But what made Bao’s journey truly remarkable wasn’t just the numbers. It was her deep-rooted vision of becoming a biomedical researcher—one who could bridge the wisdom of Eastern and Western medicine to develop holistic healthcare solutions for her community.
Choosing a School That Sees the Whole Person
Bao received offers from several prestigious universities: UC San Diego, Boston University, New York University, and Vanderbilt.
She chose Vanderbilt University because she saw more than just academic excellence. She saw a community that values not only research and technology but also the beauty of cultural intersection—something that deeply resonates with her identity.
At Vanderbilt, Bao envisioned the opportunity to pursue interdisciplinary research in biomedical engineering, where technologies like human system simulation open new possibilities for healthcare innovation. But even more, she found a place that embraces multicultural voices—where her passion for East-West integration could truly thrive.
Self-Discovery Through Small Moments
In her personal essay, Bao wrote about a transformative internship in Singapore—a summer that pushed her out of her comfort zone, forced her to rely on herself, and helped her confront fear with courage.
Her reflections came from the smallest of moments: a stranger guiding her home when she was lost; a taste of local food that stirred up memories of her Vietnamese roots; a bus ride that reminded her how important human connection can be.
In that unfamiliar setting, Bao found comfort not in control but in her own willingness to adapt. She learned to seek connection, embrace discomfort, and open herself to experiences she hadn’t planned—experiences that later became defining opportunities.
“I’m a meticulous planner,” she wrote. “But I can also choose to explore and persist.” That sentence marked a clear turning point—one where Bao’s mindset expanded, and her confidence blossomed. The Singapore internship became more than a line on her résumé—it became the launchpad for a more grounded, more resilient version of herself.
A Strategy Rooted in Authenticity
Bao’s journey is proof of a quiet truth we often forget:
You don’t need to be loud or perfect to succeed.
You just need to know yourself, tell your story clearly, and tell it with heart.
Her application told a cohesive and powerful story:
- From academics to research: Her international internships weren’t just accomplishments—they were milestones of personal growth.
- From athletics to resilience: Bao’s long-term commitment to swimming and badminton, across leadership roles and team contributions, reflected not only her discipline but her ability to find balance in rigorous environments.
- From personal essay to personal truth: Her writing didn’t rely on grand, flashy moments, but on thoughtful reflections that revealed depth, values, and maturity.
As Bao shared with us:
“Thanks to the thorough guidance from my mentors, I did not just get better at expressing my ideas. I also discovered my own writing voice. Each essay became less of an obligation and more of a chance to understand myself and tell my story in the most honest and thoughtful way possible.”
Her insight reminds us that when students take the time to dig deep and reflect honestly, their stories naturally become powerful. They don’t need to pretend to be someone else to be impressive—who they are is already enough.
