By Gigi | Translated by Shang - Alumni & Volunteer
At SOAR, we're overjoyed to share the incredible journey of every girl we support, knowing that each success story not only changes her life but also has the potential to uplift countless other village girls. Your generosity has an amazing power to multiply these opportunities and fuel the dreams of promising talents. In this report, we're thrilled to introduce you to Gigi, a girl from Henan Province, China. She has graduated with a Master's degree from the University of Science and Technology of China, one of the most famous universities in China, majoring in language recognition.
Gigi grew up in a rural village, where life was always a struggle. Her father, the family’s sole breadwinner, worked tirelessly to support her mother and three younger siblings—a brother and two sisters still in elementary school and middle school. With only one modest income, putting food on the table was challenging enough, let alone covering the cost of university tuition and living expenses. At the University of Science and Technology of China, Gigi was officially classified as a "student in extreme difficulty," a label that reflected the steep financial obstacles she faced.
But Gigi’s story is not one of defeat; it’s one of resilience. She believes her greatest strength is her ability to persevere in the face of adversity. No matter how daunting the challenge, she never gives up. Her first year at university was particularly tough. Courses like linear algebra, calculus, and C programming felt insurmountable at times. Many of her peers struggled too, with some even giving up entirely. But Gigi pressed on. When she didn’t understand something, she asked for help. When she failed, she adjusted her mindset and tried again. She kept moving forward, step by step, with unwavering determination.
After years of effort, Gigi achieved what once seemed impossible: she earned her master’s degree in language recognition. Her success wasn’t just a personal milestone; it was a leap toward her greater dream. Gigi hopes to work for a leading technology company (and she is now an employee of a top tier tech), where she can build a better future for her family and her community. She envisions a hometown with improved infrastructure, where children like her don’t have to grow up in poverty.
For Gigi, SOAR was more than just financial support; it was a lifeline. It gave her the chance to focus on her studies without being weighed down by constant worry. It gave her hope.
And now, Gigi’s story serves as a reminder of what your generosity makes possible. There are countless students like her—bright, hardworking, and full of potential—who need just a little help to change the trajectory of their lives. Your support can turn their dreams into reality, just as it did for Gigi.
Because of you, Gigi stands as proof that no challenge is too great when kindness and determination come together.
By Laney | Translated by Shang - Alumni & Volunteer
By Andrea | Translated by Shang - Alumni & Volunteer
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