Tylenol Canada Bursary Program Award

Hi! My name is Emma Niu, and I’m a public health nurse working with families and children in Richmond, BC. I’ve always believed that healthcare is about more than just medicine, it’s about connection, trust, and support during life’s most vulnerable moments.

Growing up in China and later moving to Canada, I experienced two very different healthcare systems. I saw firsthand how overwhelming it can be, especially for immigrant families to access care when you don’t speak the language or understand the system. I watched my own family navigate that confusion, and even as a child, I remember wishing someone could be there to guide them with patience and kindness. That’s what inspired me to become a nurse. I wanted to be that person: someone who could bridge those gaps and help people feel seen, safe, and supported.

I started in acute pediatric care and eventually found my passion in community and public health. Working with new parents, babies, and young children gives me a chance to support families early on and help set the stage for lifelong health and well-being. Whether I’m talking to a mom about postpartum recovery or helping a newcomer family access services, I feel proud knowing I’m making a difference in small but meaningful ways.

Nursing has taught me that even the smallest interactions can have a lasting impact. Whether I’m answering questions about feeding, talking through postpartum emotions, or just listening, I always try to show up with compassion, curiosity, and a calm presence.