Nguyen Tran Thuong Uyen is an APU alumna who graduated from the class of 2009. After successfully graduating with a BA in Biology at Central Washington University (CWU), Uyen spent two more years here earning her Master’s degree in Biology. Not stopping there, to pursue her passion, Uyen is currently a 3rd-year student at the University of California at Los Angeles, majoring in Dentist training (UCLA School of Dentistry)

UCLA School of Dentistry is well-known for its high ranking and low acceptance rate (Top 15 in the world by the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2020). To get admitted here, Uyen had to overcome more than 3,000 other applicants to become one of the 87 best students selected. “To achieve this, I need to know how to stand out from the rest of the candidates” Uyen shared. To build up her resume, Uyen has worked as a scientific researcher at the University Of Washington School Of Medicine for more than one year and as a dental assistant at UCLA for another year. Uyen understands that practical experience is one of the essential requirements to become a good dentist. And with her endless efforts and passions, Uyen has achieved her goal of pursuing a degree in dentistry at UCLA: “Through my job, I am now able to bring a lovely smile to the faces of many people. This is the most significant accomplishment that keeps me motivated to follow my passion.”

Through all of the challenges and successes, Uyen does not forget to mention how APU has prepared her for this encouraging journey: “Studying at APU was probably the luckiest thing that helped me to achieve these results. Being able to study and communicate in an international environment with APU students and teachers who are constantly striving for the best gives me the motivation to improve myself day by day. The knowledge of science, mathematics, and soft skills gained at APU also assisted me in catching up with research work more quickly and assimilating more easily into American culture”.

Uyen also sent a message to encourage APU students who are ready to graduate: “Don’t wait until the last minute to apply for different opportunities. You need to be proactive and put yourself out there because opportunities can pass you by.” Thank you Uyen and we wish you will continue to be successful on the journey of pursuing your dreams!