Fund 1000 Scholarships in Rural China for a Year

Dear SOAR volunteers and donors:

I hope all is well with you. I am a student from an impoverish family.  From the first day I entered the college, I have been overwhelmed by the many responsibilities on my shoulder:  I wish to help with improving the financial situation in my family, to be responsible for my future, and to make all the people who have helped me be proud of me…  Sometimes I worried that I wouldn’t be good enough, or would not be able to continue and be persistent chasing my dream.  But I also feel very lucky.  Poverty can’t diminish my desire and determination.  I’m honored to be awarded the SOAR scholarship.  Thank you so much for your care and love.  I don’t know how to express my gratitude, other than showing it through my future endeavor. I am willing to keep working hard, and to face life’s many challenges courageously.  It is winter now, but I do feel warm from the winter sunshine and most important from the loving care of you all. What you have given me is not just warmth, but also spiritual uplift.  I understand that you are trying to create a better learning environment which will allow me to finish my education without having to worry about financial issues and become someone useful to our society in the future.  I truly appreciate that. I don’t know how I can ever pay you back, but I believe that people who benefit from and are grateful for kindness from others will tend to pass such kindness on, and in so doing creating a positive environment and chain reaction.  Hopefully I can pass the loving care to others as well.  You helped me to understand the true meaning of love and gratitude. The scholarship not only helps relieving the financial burden of my family, but also inspired me to become more confident and courageous. I promise to use the scholarship wisely, and to repay your kindness by achieving academic excellence.   Life is beautiful because of you.  I am so grateful for all your help. I just want to say “thank you” from the bottom of my heart.

I also want to tell you that I am very happy and satisfied with my life now. I am surrounded by many nice professors, classmates and friends who care about me as much as you do.   Just like SOAR, which has accompanied me for the past five years, they are like my family and have supported me through ups and downs in life.   The love and kindness from all of you have touched the softest part of my heart and is most precious for me.  As my mom used to say, the most difficult thing to do is to give without expecting any return; and the most trustworthy friend is one who helps you when help is most needed. Thank you so much for your unselfish devotion and assistance.  I believe that with your help, I will be able to find the green sunny path that leads to a bright future, and that your love and support will illuminate the way for me in my future pursuit.

Finally, I wish to send my greetings from the distant China and wish you all a happy new year! May you have successful careers and good health in 2018!  Good luck with everything!

Respectfully,

SOAR student: Xiaoli

January 18, 2018