This is a translated letter from one of the college students receiving our financial aid.  Praise God for this student’s willingness to help others even after graduation!

Hi Grandma Chou,

I am a student sponsored by you from Pu Chuan Township, Teng Chong City, Yunnan Province. My name is Xing Liao. Recently, I have been busy completing the Accountant Certificate Test. For the past two weeks, I have also gone to the mountains for training, so I haven’t had time to reply to your letter. Please forgive me my Grandma.

Ever since I started to attend university, I gained a lot of knowledge. Having the opportunity to go to college is a very fortunate thing, especially for someone like me who comes from a rural family in a poor area. I came from a single-parent family. My mother died when I was very young, so my whole family had to rely on my father alone. I also have an elderly grandmother who is over 80 years old, so my father carries an even heavier burden. I thought about dropping out of school to stay home to help my father. However, my father’s stern words forced me to continue to go to school. I was not very happy with this decision. When I attended the university, I was fortunate to have help from national student loans and Go and Love Foundation. Finally, I had a chance to obtain my dream in college.

As I attended university, I took on a part time job and tried to work in between classes to earn some pocket money to reduce my father’s burden. I finally felt fulfillment in my life. However, for my first three years in college, my class schedule was packed, so the opportunity to work part time was rare. Luckily, I also got help from you, Grandma Chou. I am also studying Chinese herbal medicine with my professors in hopes that I can own my own business after graduation.

Also, since I come from a single-parent home, it is hard for people on the outside to truly understand what it’s like.  Knowing this, I now spend my spare time visiting the little boys and girls at children’s welfare homes and the elderly at nursing homes. It is at times like these when I feel happiest. I grew up enjoying to help others, especially the elderly and children. This may be the reason why I had this background, so I can understand others in need and help them in return!

Grandma Chou, I have been reflecting on my last few days before I complete the financial aid program. I hope that this will be a good time for me to leave. I will turn 21 years old on October 21 and will be able to live on my own. I hope to be self-reliant and help others in need. I have more courses to take for my last year and fewer opportunities to work, so for this last time, I gladly accept your help and will work hard. I believe that I soon will be self-sufficient, but I know there are many others who are not and may need more help than me.

I am very grateful to you, Grandma Chou for your continual support. I will continue to work hard. I shall inherit your good spirit whether I fail or succeed in the future. Thank you very much for your help and spiritual inheritance.