The University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing is proud to announce that Minyoung “Christine” Kim, an undergraduate nursing student, has been named a recipient of a highly competitive academic scholarship from the American Nurses Foundation (ANF), a national organization dedicated to advancing the nursing profession and strengthening the future nursing workforce.
Kim is one of only 11 undergraduate nursing students nationwide selected for the inaugural cohort of ANF scholarship recipients, chosen from nearly 600 applicants across the country. The scholarship supports students who demonstrate exceptional commitment to nursing, leadership potential, and a clear dedication to advancing patient-centered care.
For Kim, the journey into nursing began well before she stepped onto campus at UT Austin. As a high school student, she participated in the Longhorn Nursing Immersion Summer Camp, an experience she credits with shaping her career path.
“Before attending the camp, I had never even considered nursing as an option,” Kim shared. “That experience gave me valuable insight into the profession and helped me realize who I wanted to become. Even now, reflecting on that moment keeps me grounded and committed to the nursing program.”
Now immersed in UT Austin’s hands-on nursing curriculum, Kim says she has been most surprised by how closely her coursework mirrors real clinical practice.
“The curriculum is far more hands-on than I expected,” she said. “Our video performance exams make everything feel real—it reminds me every day that I am actively training to become a nurse.”
Like many nursing students, Kim has faced challenges along the way, particularly the pressure and anxiety that can accompany rigorous performance-based assessments. She describes learning to embrace those challenges as a vital part of her growth.
“I’ve learned to lean into that pressure and enjoy it,” Kim said. “Every challenge serves a purpose, and each one pushes me to become a better nurse.”
Kim credits her success to the strong sense of community within the School of Nursing, as well as the unwavering support of her family.
“The support from my cohort has made a tremendous difference,” she said. “Walking alongside peers who share the same passion—and knowing my family is always cheering me on from afar—has been everything.”
Looking ahead, Kim hopes to pursue a career in critical care nursing, where she can combine clinical excellence with deep compassion for patients and their families.
“I want to be a nurse who listens to each patient’s story and sees the whole person, not just a diagnosis,” she said. “My education at UT Austin is shaping me to bring together technical skill, empathy, and resilience—especially in high-stakes environments like the ICU.”
The American Nurses Foundation scholarship program was created to reduce financial barriers for nursing students and to support a diverse, well-prepared future workforce. Kim’s selection reflects both her personal dedication and the School of Nursing’s mission to prepare the next generation of nurse leaders.