The spark of care: A student's path from early inspiration to a future in nursing

When Yunyan Cheng was a little girl in China, her family jokingly called her “Dr. Cheng.” The nickname came from her aunt, a neurologist, who noticed Yunyan’s curiosity about medicine and took her along on hospital rounds. Years later, after her mother suffered a brain hemorrhage, those early experiences took on new meaning.

“I realized how crucial neurological care was for my mom’s recovery,” says Yunyan, now pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth Houston. “That experience gave me a real understanding of the importance of health care.”

She started out with an interest in microbiology, fascinated by the interaction of microorganisms and the human body. After earning a Master of Science in microbiology from Clemson University, she began teaching biology and anatomy at Lamar Institute of Technology in Beaumont, Texas. When she shadowed a nurse in a local hospital, the trajectory of her career changed forever.

“I watched this nurse use her clinical abilities and combine them with her passion to care for patients,” she says. “That was my ‘aha’ moment. I realized I wanted to be a nurse like her.”

Yunyan chose Cizik School of Nursing for her degree, and her experiences since have confirmed she made the right choice.

“The professors here are the best I’ve ever had,” she says. “They’re enthusiastic, funny, and they care deeply about us. They go out of their way to support us and make personal connections.”

That sense of support extends to her classmates. Yunyan said students readily share study tips and resources, creating a collaborative environment that reflects the profession’s spirit of compassion. She is also part of the school’s honors research program, working with Diane M. Santa Maria, DrPH, RN—the school’s dean—on projects that address community health needs, including HIV prevention among underserved populations.

As she learns to apply classroom knowledge to clinical settings, Yunyan is excited about the skills she is developing.

“I’m constantly improving my knowledge of diseases, learning how to communicate with patients, and gaining real-world experience in applying evidence-based nursing,” she says.

Yunyan received the John P. McGovern, MD, Scholarship, which has helped her focus more fully on her studies by relieving some of the financial pressure of funding her education.

“My husband and I are raising three children, so the scholarship eases our family’s budget and allows me to focus on my studies,” she says. “On a deeper level, it reinforces my confidence in this career transition from biology to nursing.”

Gratitude runs deep for Yunyan, and it influences how she spends her time outside the classroom. She volunteers at local hospitals and with community health initiatives, and she serves as a medical safety officer for her children’s Little League team.

“I received a lot of support from the community when I first came to the United States,” she says. “People showed me around and helped me find resources. Now, I see how much volunteers do for my own children, from sports to other activities. I want to give back in the same way.”

With her scientific training, compassion, and determination, Yunyan is preparing to make a lasting impact as a nurse. Philanthropy continues to play an essential role in that journey, helping her fulfill a dream of serving others.

“The support I receive goes beyond funding my education,” she says. “It is investing in the health and well-being of all the patients I will have the privilege to help throughout my career.”