For Chien-hui Shen (沈芊卉), a recent graduate of Tzu Chi University's nursing program, her decision to enter the medical field was deeply personal. "The nursing department, for me, means having a job right after graduation with manageable tuition fees, and it's a profession less likely to be replaced by AI," she explained. While practical considerations were important, her choice was profoundly influenced by a life spent witnessing the impacts of illness and the loving strength of family. On June 7, 2025, her dedication was recognized as she received three awards at her graduation ceremony: the County Magistrate's Award, the Moral Education Award, and the Outstanding Internship Performance Award.
A Childhood of Loss and Love
Chien-hui’s family has long lived under the shadow of spinocerebellar atrophy, a progressive, hereditary neurodegenerative disease. The condition, which begins with an unsteady gait and frequent falls, eventually leads to an inability to walk and severe respiratory difficulties. She lost her grandfather, father, and two uncles to this illness.
Her father passed away when she was in the second grade, leaving Chien-hui to be raised solely by her grandmother, Han-shao Shen-Chen (沈陳含少). To make ends meet, her grandmother collected recyclables, and Chien-hui would help her after school. Living on a busy main road, she often worried. "If my classmates passed by and saw me collecting recyclables, would they think it was shameful?" she recalled.
Her perspective shifted when her school presented her with a Filial Piety Award. "I realized that helping my grandmother with recycling wasn't shameful; it was an act of filial piety," Chien-hui shared. The award helped her embrace her circumstances. "As long as I am a dutiful and virtuous child, others won't care about my family's situation."
Finding Purpose Through Empathy
During her four years at Tzu Chi University, Chien-hui not only gained professional knowledge but also cultivated the interpersonal skills essential for nursing. Her internships were demanding, often involving late-night studying followed by early mornings at the hospital, but she persevered.
The experience solidified her commitment. "Seeing a patient go from being weak to recovering, and realizing that my care truly helped them, brings a great sense of accomplishment," she said. Her family’s history instilled in her a deep sense of empathy. "I often think, 'If my own family member were sick, how would I want a nurse to care for them?' This thought strengthens my resolve to walk the path of nursing."
Chien-hui’s graduation was a moment of immense pride for her 86-year-old grandmother, who traveled by train from Yilan to Hualien to attend. With tears of joy, Han-shao Shen-Chen said, "I am so happy. It was very hard, but we made it through. She completed these four years of study without costing me any money. I am so grateful! This granddaughter was worth raising. All my hard work was worth it."
Her teacher, Hsin-yen Tsai (蔡欣晏), also came to celebrate, presenting her with a bouquet. "She is a very diligent and serious student," Tsai affirmed. "I believe she will continue to excel in the nursing profession." With her diploma in hand and her grandmother by her side, Chien-hui is now ready to turn her personal journey of love and resilience into a professional life dedicated to caring for others.
Written by Tsai-Chieh Yu (游采潔)
Souce: 孝順心選讀護理系 三奬加冕護理路更堅定
