My name is Yanyi Emily Weng and I am 19 years old. Every winter I think about how BCNC has changed my life.
I was born in a small village in China. In 2003 when I was 11, I moved with my mother and little brother to Boston to reunite with my father who wanted us to have a better life. A few months later, my father was diagnosed with cancer and passed away that winter. While others celebrated the holidays, my first winter in Boston felt extremely cold because the loss of my father left my mother, little brother and me alone in a new country, barely knowing its language.
I joined BCNC that same year because I desperately needed help with my English and schoolwork. At BCNC, I met caring staff and loyal friends who supported and encouraged me through difficult times. Along with English classes and homework help, BCNC helped me and my family with many things! When I was in high school, I joined the leadership program and began mentoring middle school girls. My mother also attended workshops with me about the college application process and financial aid.
Because of your support to BCNC, Boston is no longer a cold place for me, but the city I call home. I am now a freshman at Boston College, studying to become a special education teacher. Now my winters are filled with warmth and hopes.
With your generous donation, other families like mine will be able to receive services from BCNC. Will you make a gift this season to help another family – a gift of warmth and hopes? The most important life lesson I learned from BCNC was to give back after I received from this community, from this big family. Thank you for giving back and caring for the community!
With big thanks,
Yanyi Emily Weng
P.S. It’s easy to make a gift! Click here to make a gift online!