Support Girls' Education in Rural China

My name is Rivera. I was born in a small village in the mountainous Guizhou province. I don’t know where my mother is. My father’s humble income supported me, my younger brother and two younger sisters. So by the age of 12, I dropped out of school and went outside of the village to earn my own living. As a minor, I had extremely difficult experiences as a young migrant worker. Yet, I understood the opportunity to go back to school was invaluable. Knowledge will change one’s life and destiny. Thank you SOAR FOUNDATION! 

But life is a box of chocolate and you never know what’s next. In sophomore year, I had bumps. At the beginning, I didn't know it was very serious and dangerous. But the doctor told me to remove them as soon as possible. So I had to take medical leave right before the final exams. I was so scared and worried. After the 1st surgery, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer and had to quit school for further medical treatment. I almost gave up. I didn’t want to be a burden to my family. I suffered from deep depression. Thanks to my family and SOAR’s encouragement, I came out of the dark and gloomy emotion. After the 2nd surgery, I survived! 

Now I’m back at school, I treasure my life and the opportunity to study even more. Special thanks to SOAR scholarship and mentorship, you are my family without the blood ties! I promise that I will try my best to learn and hope I will be able to help other poor children like what SOAR is doing now. 

Editor’s note:

Rivera is a fictional name, as her real name has the character of river. Her family annual income is ¥3,000 RMB, about $470 USD.   

SOAR FOUNDATION wish you and family a happy, healthy and peaceful new year of 2022! Thank you for your continuous support to the poor but talented students in rural China.