Bernita Caroline (林汀婷) is a nursing student and Tzu Chi scholarship recipient living in Jakarta, Indonesia. Her aspiration to become a nurse was born from a profound childhood tragedy. When Bernita was just in the third grade, she watched her mother battle cancer, witnessing her endure years of pain before eventually passing away.

Seeing my mother sick, I felt completely hopeless at the time. As a child, there was nothing I could do. She would often lose her temper because of the pain, and I felt so helpless.—Bernita Caroline, Nursing Student

Forging a path through hardship

Initially, Bernita dreamed of becoming a doctor, but she realized medical school required immense time and financial resources. On a teacher's advice, she enrolled in a vocational high school for accounting, hoping to enter the workforce quickly to save for university. After graduation, she worked for two years to build her savings. Even after entering nursing school, she worked two part-time jobs to cover her tuition and living expenses.

In 2024, her family's financial situation deteriorated, and her savings rapidly depleted. Seeking a lifeline, she applied for a Tzu Chi scholarship. The assistance provided her with stability and a clear career trajectory, allowing her to focus entirely on her studies. She plans to work as a nurse at the Tzu Chi Hospital in Indonesia after graduation.

Confronting grief

Just as her life seemed to stabilize, tragedy struck again. Bernita's father, who had been raising her and her younger siblings alone, was diagnosed with early-stage dementia. Following advice from Tzu Chi volunteers, she helped him seek medical care. Unfortunately, he soon suffered a severe heart attack and passed away after a single day of hospitalization at Husada Hospital—the very institution where Bernita attended classes and completed clinical rotations.

The loss left a deep psychological scar. The hospital corridors, the hum of medical equipment, and the striped blankets in the wards constantly reminded her of her father's final moments. Overwhelmed with grief, she contemplated dropping out and even asked the foundation if she could terminate her scholarship. The realization that she could not simply abandon her commitment became the catalyst she needed. With time, reflection, and the shared determination of her two younger siblings to step up for the family, Bernita found the strength to continue her education.

Perspective through service

Throwing herself back into her studies, Bernita gradually adapted to the hospital environment once more. She excelled academically, served as the vice president of the student council, and leveraged her strong language skills to become the president of the English club.

She also dedicated herself to community service. During a home visit with Tzu Chi volunteers, Bernita met a 12-year-old child who had been battling leukemia since the age of five. This encounter profoundly shifted her perspective, making her realize that others faced far heavier burdens.

On another occasion, a patient traveled from Batam to Jakarta for jaw surgery. When the procedure required three bags of blood and the hospital was one short, Bernita immediately rushed over to donate. Learning that the patient had traveled only with her husband, leaving their three children behind in Batam; further solidified her commitment to helping those in distress.

Not everyone has the opportunity to experience these things. Both home visits and donating blood have rewarded me greatly. I am so grateful that Tzu Chi has helped me grow into a better person. Because I have received help from others, I hope to treat others with kindness.
—Bernita Caroline, Nursing Student

Now in her junior year, Bernita is tackling crucial milestones, including community service, clinical rotations, and her graduation thesis. She draws daily motivation from Dharma Master Cheng Yen's teaching, "A day without work is a day without food," reminding herself to do something meaningful every day. Through life's unpredictability, Bernita chose to hold fast to her aspirations. She is steadily advancing on her nursing path, eager to transform the assistance she once received into a lifelong dedication to caring for the sick.

Written by Khusnul Khotimah