My “fellow classmates” from middle school said that “Jebola” was the best combination of “Jenny” and “Ebola,” a joke they called it. That’s why I reject this English name “Jenny.” It is still stuck inside my mind like a scar. I did not cry, I smiled. Laughed even. That was how I learned to protect myself: silence, obedience, and control. Spinning blood. It is also the job of a phlebotomist. This technique can separate blood into two parts: plasma and blood cells. These components blend with each other and can only be divided by centrifugal force. The tubes swirl within the centrifuge faster than a tornado. Sometimes, control and peace to me are the same, blending into a chaotic mess like the blood in the tubes. Maybe I need to gather enough centrifugal force to differentiate the two. I know I will need to understand which is which.
But how?
lam thao quyen nguyen I am Lam Thao Quyen Nguyen, a biology graduate and phlebotomist with three years of clinical experience. Originally from Vietnam, I immigrated to the United States with a strong commitment to healthcare and a passion for promoting health equity. My work in phlebotomy has deepened my understanding of patient care across diverse populations. Beyond the clinic, I shared my voice by writing a nonfiction story published in Coastline College’s magazine, aiming to contribute meaningfully to campus dialogue. My journey as an immigrant continues to inspire my dedication to compassionate, culturally sensitive care, and to making healthcare more accessible for all communities.
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