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Going into college, alumna Monica Vorn, Health Studies 鈥�22 and Biology 鈥�22, knew how important her journey at UW Bothell would be to her future. Born and raised in Everett, Washington, Vorn was a first-generation Cambodian American college student. Her parents, who placed a deep value on education, instilled in her the belief that college could open doors 鈥� to opportunity, to stability and to a future that honored their sacrifices.

鈥淚 was part of the AVID program in high school,鈥� Vorn said. 鈥淚t opened my eyes to what college could mean 鈥� not just in terms of income but in what kind of life I could build.鈥�

That drive led her to UW Bothell, where she embraced the challenges of being a first-gen student. 鈥淚 didn鈥檛 want to waste what my parents had given up,鈥� she said. 鈥淪o, I made the most of every opportunity. I asked for help when I needed it, and I built strong relationships with people who believed in me.鈥�

A mentor and a moment of transformation

One of those relationships changed everything: Professor Deborah Hathaway.

鈥淪he was my sunshine,鈥� Vorn said. 鈥淗er classes helped me express myself and find confidence 鈥� especially in her voice and movement class. It pushed me outside my comfort zone and helped me embrace who I am.鈥�

What started as an academic requirement became a turning point for Vorn. Hathaway鈥檚 mentorship helped Vorn build more than just skills 鈥� it built a new mindset.

鈥淪he taught me that it鈥檚 OK to feel uncomfortable,鈥� Vorn said. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 often where growth happens.鈥�

From volunteering to a career in science

Vorn鈥檚 journey into health and manufacturing began before college. Her first job was at an orthodontist鈥檚 office where she had her braces done. What started as a volunteer gig 鈥� helping make impressions and putting rubber bands on brackets 鈥� became a hands-on introduction to health care.

After college, that early curiosity led her to a role as a Manufacturing Associate at Bristol Myers Squibb, where she now contributes to life-changing treatments on a global scale.

鈥淢y background, my culture, and my family 鈥� they鈥檙e all a part of what motivates me,鈥� she said. 鈥淚n Cambodian culture, family is everything. And my parents were involved every step of the way in my education.鈥�

Honoring the past, while building the future

At UW Bothell, Vorn learned to bridge her past and future 鈥� finding balance between discipline and self-expression, hard work and healing.

鈥淚 was taught to be tough and to work hard,鈥� she said. 鈥淏ut college also taught me how to breathe, how to ask for help, and how to grow in ways I hadn鈥檛 imagined.鈥�

Now, as a young professional in the biotech industry, she continues to carry those lessons with her 鈥� honoring her roots while forging her own path forward.