THE THOUGHTFUL PANDA, INC.

Our Origin Story: Birda’s Journey from Adversity to Advocacy

My name is Birda, and my path to becoming a registered nurse was anything but conventional. My formal education ended in fifth grade due to circumstances beyond my control. At sixteen, I began working full-time—not because I wanted to, but because I had to. Survival came first, but the dream of something greater never left me. 

A quote I live by: “If you’re going through hell, keep going.” 

Years later, I earned my GED. With persistent encouragement from those who believed in me, I began taking nursing prerequisites at CCBC. When I was accepted into Towson University’s Nursing program, I was overwhelmed with joy—but also with financial stress. I had to reduce my work hours, and the out-of-pocket costs felt daunting. Then something beautiful happened: my community stepped in. They created ‘The Birda Book Fund,’ raising donations to help cover the expenses that threatened to hold me back. Their kindness gave me the freedom to focus on my studies and the strength to believe in my future. 

That experience transformed me. It showed me the power of compassion and the importance of lifting others as we climb. That’s why I founded The Thoughtful Panda—to pay forward the generosity I received and help other students overcome the barriers that stand between them and their dreams. 

I am living proof that your past does not define your future. With support, determination, and heart anything is possible. Your dream awaits and the only way to reach it is to keep moving forward!