June 4, 2026
Expectations are weighty things. Many of us live under them. We feel pressure from so many places, including family, friends and community. Sometimes those expectations fuel us to push harder. Other times, we have to buck them to do what we think is right.
Sa San can tell you all about expectations. She is an immigrant from Burma (officially Myanmar), a southeast Asian nation. She came to the United States with her mom and two siblings, and started classes at GRCC in 2018.
For Sa, the expectations were clear.
“As an Asian immigrant, I was always pushed to be a nurse, doctor or engineer,” San said. “Since my brother had a significant heart condition and was hospitalized many times, I decided to give nursing a try to see if I liked it. I thought healthcare would be a way to give back, and also allow me to be a model for the next generation.”
A Challenging Journey
Achieving a nursing degree was not an easy road. Sa spent two years on the wait list for the Nursing A.D.N. program at GRCC. By the time she was accepted in 2022, she had a seven-month old daughter, which definitely added to the stress. Her husband and family stepped up to support her on her journey.
Sa completed her degree in 2024 and started working at University of Michigan Health-West, but she really wanted to earn her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Davenport University. However, that required money she did not have.
“I didn’t know how to find the money for a BSN,” San said. “Then I received an email about the West Michigan BSN Connect Scholarship. I decided to apply, and I was awarded a scholarship!”
The scholarship covered three semesters, which is exactly what Sa needed to complete her BSN through Davenport. She started in May of 2025 and finished in May of this year.
“This is a milestone for me and a huge accomplishment,” San said. “I am the first in my family to do this. I can see that my siblings and the people in my community are inspired by my achievement and want to pursue more schooling.”
Leading By Example
Achieving this goal after becoming a mom meant that Sa had to buck another set of expectations.
“If you are a mom in my culture, you are expected to be just a mom,” San said. “I am showing people that it is possible to gain an education and have a career, even with a child and a husband. It’s a challenge for the people around me to understand this.”
But Sa’s persistent and consistent work is paying off. Her sister has finished cosmetology school but wants to do more. Her brother is still in school. Even one of her aunts, who wanted to become a nurse but wasn’t able to, has decided to go back to school to pursue a career.
Resources and People Made the Difference
Sa notes that, as a first generation college student, she relied on many of the services GRCC offers.
“I am so grateful for GRCC,” San said. “They were my backbone. They were there for me on day one. I had so much help from great advisors, and also from the TRIO program. I am especially grateful for Jamarcus Wiggins, the advisor connected with Davenport, who helped me with the transfer process.”
Now that she has completed her BSN, Sa is working at University of Michigan Health-West on the second floor post-surgical unit. She loves nursing and feels that she is both a help and an example to her family.
As for for GRCC? Sa’s message is simple.
“I am here because of you. I achieved this goal because of you. Thank you.”
Learn more about the Nursing program or TRIO.