In This Together - inspired by healthcare professional, Angela Phettaphong

by ARTICLE22

 

You in a word -

Ambitious.

On you –  

I was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio and moved to Houston, TX three months ago in the middle of a pandemic.

 

On purpose and motivation – 

I am a Registered Nurse, I work in Pediatrics caring for chronically ill children. I am motivated to make a difference in every child’s life that I touch whether it be big or small. Being sick is not easy, especially for a child, so if I can help make a difference in their day, that brings out the best in me and makes my heart feel so full.

 

 

"I am HUMBLED that I was chosen to represent the front line worker in the animation. Being a nurse working the front line during this pandemic and being of Lao heritage, this bangle means so much to me.."

On a moment of transformation –

I would say that the pandemic was a transformational time for me that helped shape me. During this time, I graduated nursing school, passed my state board to become a Registered Nurse, moved 1,000 miles away from my home, and began my career. It was a very scary time filled with unknowns but I am thankful for staying focused and strong-hearted to take leaps of faith. I have never been happier and I am thankful for the growth this quarantine has brought me.

 

About your role at work -

I am a Registered Nurse currently working in Pediatric Home Health. I care for chronically ill and fragile children from all ages who require long term care on ventilators, tubes, and other devices to support their means of survival. I believe that my job is different because I am not caring for patients who come into the hospital for a few days and get to leave. I care for sick kids who have to learn to live and cope with their diseases and illnesses throughout their lives. I am able to form bonds with these children and their families and help make a difference in their day by providing optimal and loving care.

"...I work with my heart and give my all to the lives I help heal with my hands."

On why you chose medicine-

I found my way to nursing as I realized I loved the interaction with the patients and I am that first line of care for them. There is so much trust formed as these patients rely on you to help them through times where they are at their weakest and need that support and love.



How has COVID challenged you?

Covid has challenged me as it has led to many obstacles. I am not where I expected to be prior to Covid, I thought I would have progressed further than I have and at times that is a discouraging feeling but I have learned that it is okay to not always have it all together and that I am not alone in this. Many of us are feeling lost or complacent and it is not our faults. These are the cards we are dealt with and we decide what we choose to do with them, we can let this help us grow or tear us down. This is why this bangle’s message is so amazing, we are IN THIS TOGETHER.

 

 

On your family history and connection to ARTICLE22-

This bangle and the mission ARTICLE22 means a lot to me. My parents are refugees of Laos, they escaped to America during the Vietnam War in hopes of a better life for themselves and their future family. Through their hard work and perseverance, they were able to help build a life and provide me the opportunity to receive a college education and have a career. That also inspired me to choose a career path that helps make a difference in the world. We are assimilated to American culture but hold our Lao roots very deep in our hearts. I am a proud first-generation Lao-American and I am so humbled and thankful for Elizabeth and ARTICLE22 for allowing me to be a part of this project and share my story.

 

click here to shop the In This Together Bangle

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