Pharmacy Alumna Shares Her Story of Returning to Leonard Hall for 80th Birthday

On my 80th birthday, my children asked me, “Mom, what would you like to do for your birthday?” Without hesitation, I said, “I want to go back to where I went to school — in Pocatello, Idaho.” This visit had lived quietly in my heart for many years. I wanted to return to the place that opened a new chapter in my life and helped me find my footing in a new country — Idaho State University.

My children and I arrived in California in 1982 after escaping from Vietnam. My son was ten years old, and my twin daughters were five. My husband had to remain behind. We went through refugee camps in Malaysia and the Philippines before finally being accepted to come to America. During our refugee interview, a smiling United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Officer teased my son, “You are the only man in the family!” His comment brought a small moment of lightness during a difficult time.

Fortunately, my husband was able to escape on another attempt, and we reunited in late 1983. Soon after, I knew I needed to re-earn my pharmacist license to support our family and contribute to this new land. I applied to what is now the L.S. Skaggs College of Pharmacy at Idaho State University and was honored to be accepted into the graduating Class of 1987. In 1984, I left my family in California and traveled to Pocatello to begin my studies.

Back to the present. At first, we thought of visiting in December, when my family would have more free time. But I remembered how icy the sidewalks were during my first winter in Pocatello. I slipped several times during my first year because I was still wearing shoes from Southern California!

My daughter, Thuy, suggested traveling in October instead. Sixteen days after my birthday, we boarded a plane and landed in Pocatello in just a few hours. How different this trip was — no more tiring 18-hour Greyhound bus rides from Southern California through the night. We arrived in Pocatello on October 16, 2025, and after checking into our hotel, we eagerly went straight to campus.

The first thing we saw was the large green lawn in the heart of campus. I fondly remembered students sitting there in spring and summer — reading, talking, laughing. After winter break, some would come back on crutches, after enjoying a bit too much skiing. Entering Leonard Hall brought back many memories. Everything looked brighter and more open than I remembered. I looked for the rows of framed alumni photographs that once lined the walls. I could still hear the voice of our dean, Dr. Arthur R. D. Smith, telling us on our first day: “All these people made it — and you will make it too.”

Those words meant so much to me then. I was relieved to see that the photographs are still preserved, now in a digital display. I scrolled through and saw my classmates again. I smiled when I saw Stephanie Ennis, my dormmate, who kindly shared her lecture notes with me when English was still new and difficult. I also remembered a classmate who worked in Alaska one summer at a caviar company, earning enough to pay for his tuition and living expenses for the following year. We walked through displays of the college’s history — old medicine bottles, textbooks, compounding tools. Students studied quietly in the new study rooms. Although much has changed in forty years, many things felt familiar.

We met Ms. Renae Williams, who greeted us with wonderful kindness. She introduced us to the Dean of the College of Pharmacy, Dr. Thomas Wadsworth. Ms. Williams gave me thoughtful gifts — a jacket and a mug — which touched me deeply.

I remembered Professor Stephen Hurley, who guided me through difficult moments, and Professor Eugene Isaacson, who brought humor to the lab. When I was a teaching assistant, some students said my English was difficult to understand. Professor Isaacson made it into a teaching moment. He said: “One day, a doctor with an accent will call in a prescription. Will you refuse it, or will you learn to listen?” I have never forgotten his kindness and wisdom.

We had lunch in the dining hall, and I suddenly remembered the familiar tastes — the meals that helped me gain strength and weight so long ago! Then we went to Turner Hall, where I lived for two and a half years. My first roommate, Nancy, once thought that my husband was my father, and when she realized her mistake, she whispered, “Please don’t tell him!” We laughed about it often.

In my second year, I moved into a small room at the end of the hallway — just enough space for a twin bed and a desk — but it was quiet, and I was grateful. I became close to Amy Colmer, who lived nearby. We often walked around campus together. She always tried to get me to sing — but I could not bring myself to do it! When I finished school, I returned home immediately to be with my family and did not attend graduation. Before I left, Amy gathered our floormates and held a small “graduation ceremony” for me in the dorm hallway, complete with a “Certificate of Pharmacy” that she made herself. Over the years, I lost contact with Stephanie and Amy, but I hold them dearly in my memory.

The next day, we went to Twin Falls, a place I never had the chance to visit in the past because I always rushed home during holidays. Then we visited Idaho State University one final time. The library is now completely updated and very beautiful. There was even a Starbucks next door, which my granddaughter said is very common these days — coffee shops beside libraries.

We also visited the hospital where I completed my clinical rotations. I do not remember many details from that time, only that I had to walk my bicycle uphill to the hospital and that I “flew” downhill back to the dorms at the end of the day.

I remembered going to the movie theater. Back then, it was amazing that one could watch five different movies a week and for only $1 each! I watched films to keep my mind busy so I would not sit in the library thinking of my husband and three children waiting for me.

My family and I are deeply grateful to Idaho State University — to the faculty, classmates, dormmates, and the people of Pocatello — who welcomed me, supported me, and helped me through a challenging time. The education I received there allowed me to support my family and build a new life in America.

I am so glad I returned. The visit was gentle, meaningful, and full of old and new memories — a quiet circle closing. It was truly a journey back to where my new life began.