When Shanna Nguyen (℅ ’25) walked across the oval at McKinley High School’s commencement, she carried more than a diploma. She carried a record of experiences defined by community engagement, academic focus, and firsthand exposure to healthcare through her work in a med‑spa clinic and her role as a translator for her family.
Now, her college journey is unfolding in two stages as she pursues a degree in psychology on the pre‑medical track — with her first year completed at the University of San Francisco (USF) and her next chapter beginning at Boston University (BU) in Fall 2026 as a guaranteed transfer.
“It was a path I designed intentionally,” Nguyen said. “Growing up in Hawaii, I wanted a city environment — somewhere fast‑paced with more opportunities. San Francisco felt like the right first step, and Boston represents the long‑term goal.”
Approaching College Applications with Honesty and Pace
Nguyen said she approached the college process with clarity and purpose. She researched public and private institutions, compared financial aid, and considered what it would mean to study on the mainland. Urban campuses stood out — places where she could volunteer, conduct research, and engage with diverse communities.
The writing, she said, demanded the most from her. Each school required different supplemental essays, and the volume forced her to confront the pressure of the process. “I had to learn how to pace myself,” Nguyen said. “Once I stopped trying to write what I thought colleges wanted and focused on my own experiences, everything became easier.”
Her personal statement blended her experiences translating for her mother in medical settings with her love for Formula One, using the sport as a metaphor for navigating healthcare as an immigrant family. “Being honest about my story made the writing feel meaningful,” she said. “It reminded me why I was applying in the first place.”
Nguyen also emphasized the importance of starting early and staying grounded. “I gave myself time to think,” she said. “You can’t rush reflection. And you can’t compare your journey to anyone else’s — you have to trust your own.”
Learning to Challenge Herself Without Overload
Nguyen said she approached her coursework with intention, choosing classes that challenged her without overwhelming her. She learned early that rigor meant little without balance — a lesson she hopes underclassmen carry with them.
“Take classes that make sense for you,” she said. “You don’t need to burn yourself out to be competitive.” For her, the goal was never to stack her schedule for appearance, but to stay engaged in subjects that mattered.
She encourages students to focus less on building a perfect transcript and more on building understanding. “Your grades matter, but they’re not the whole story,” she said. “What you take away from your classes is more important than the number of them.”
Building Experience Through Work and Creative Expression
Nguyen’s extracurricular involvement at McKinley centered on activities that supported her interests both academically and personally. She worked steadily beginning at age 16, eventually gaining exposure to clinical routines in a med spa. The role offered a practical view of patient interaction and day‑to‑day operations in a healthcare setting. “Seeing how care is delivered up close grounded my goals,” she said.
She also participated in the 2024 McKinley Art Exhibition at the Honolulu Museum of Art, using painting as a way to manage stress during demanding periods of senior year. “Art became a healthy outlet,” she said. “It gave me space to breathe.”
For underclassmen, Nguyen emphasizes choosing activities that reflect genuine interest rather than volume. “Commit to what genuinely reflects who you are,” she said. “Authenticity always shows.”
Carrying Purpose Into the Next Chapter
As Nguyen prepares for her next chapter at Boston University, she carries the same sense of purpose that shaped her high school years. She hopes to continue exploring the intersections of psychology, medicine, and community health — work rooted in her experiences supporting her family and learning to navigate healthcare systems firsthand.
“I want to be someone who makes things easier for patients,” she said. “Especially for families who feel lost or unheard. That’s what keeps me going.”
For underclassmen beginning their own college journeys, Nguyen’s says her message is simple.
“Your path doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. Start early, stay honest, and trust your own story.”
