Weston Tecla Lin Award

My passion for helping others stems from my childhood. At 12 years old, I became a volunteer for the Costa Rican Red Cross and later for the Norwegian Red Cross at high school. During my time with the Red Cross, I developed a strong relationship with their principles, especially the principle of humanity that states: “To prevent and alleviate human suffering wherever it may be found. Its purpose is to protect life and health and to ensure respect for the human being”. Hence, I found the nursing profession to be my calling because nursing encompasses these principles. As a Registered Nurse, I am able to work for the community and I can interact with and help more people in need from diverse backgrounds. I completed my Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Methodist University in North Carolina, United States. However, after immigrating to Canada, my transition to an Internationally Educated Nurse has been an ongoing challenge. After facing five years of barriers, I am excited to soon finish the International Educated Nurse Bridging Program and begin practicing as a Registered Nurse in Canada. I am honoured to receive the Weston Tecla Lin Award on behalf of the Canadian Nurses Foundation. This award will provide much-needed support to complete my studies.