Janny 14, 2025 – 𝟓𝟎 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝

With a heart full of gratitude and love, I reflect on the extraordinary journey of my 50 years—a journey of trials, triumphs, and the enduring power of faith, love, and perseverance. As I stand here today, a woman shaped by the challenges of the past, I feel compelled to share the story that has led me to this moment.

Fifty years ago, I was born in a small village, barefoot with dreams as vast as the sky, during the tumult of April 1975. Growing up, I faced countless hardships as my father spent years in a re-education camp, and I lived in a society divided by conflicting beliefs. Yet, I rose like a wildflower, resilient and unbreakable. I never gave up and learned to do everything a village girl was expected to do—from household chores, farming, buy/sell to studying—while holding onto my pride in my humble roots and impoverished family. Throughout my school years, I was the class president since 1st grade and a student leader who inspired my peers and always strived to lift others up. That spirit of leadership and service became the foundation of my life.

My true journey began when I immigrated to the United States. It was a leap of faith driven by the courage & love of my family —and the dreams they planted in my heart. We arrived with just one suitcase but carried a treasure trove of aspirations. I faced language barriers, cultural shocks, and moments of self-doubt. The first time I walked into an American classroom, I was both terrified and exhilarated. I was the girl who stuttered in English, who cleaned houses after school, delivered newspapers after school or the dawn on weekends of feet of snow in Buffalo NY, and studied with a tiny dictionary gifted by a kind teacher in my first couple years in U.S; tutor/grader at school, worked at supermarkets from 9pm-2am, and fast food restaurants during the weekends during college years.

Those early years taught me the value of hard work. I refused to let my circumstances define my destiny. Teachers became my guides, and their encouragement ignited a fierce determination within me. I began to dream not just of surviving but of rising. I imagined a life where my success could become a bridge for others to follow.

Education became my refuge. Through perseverance, scholarships, and unwavering family support, I earned my degree—a milestone that opened doors I had only dared to dream about. I started in humble roles, working tirelessly and learning from every challenge. Over decades, I rose to become a leader in my field—a woman of influence in rooms where I often stood out as the only one who looked like me (petite, confident, humble, simple, and always wear smile on my face .. people knew me can add more here …) But I never forgot my roots. Every step of my journey has been a reminder of my family’s sacrifices, the kindness of strangers, and the friendships that carried me.

As success grew, so did my desire to give back. On my 45th birthday, I co-founded Perspective Charity with a dear friend (Happy 5th Birthday, Perspective Charity). We established programs to support education for thousands of underprivileged children overseas, providing a broader experience for fortunate children and adults who joined our mission trips, and devoted my time and resources to causes close to my heart.

Today, as I celebrate my 50th birthday, I am profoundly grateful for all the experiences—whether joyful or painful—that have shaped my life. I know my story does not belong to me alone. It belongs to everyone who believed in me, who lent me a hand, and who walked beside me—through moments of despair and triumph.

I want to thank my family for enduring so much and never losing faith, especially my parents – brothers – husband – and kids, I thank the teachers who opened doors I could not see, the friends who offered their unwavering support, and the countless people whose kindness smoothed my path. I am deeply grateful to my community, my colleagues, and the generations of dreamers who inspire me daily. You have taught me that success is not measured by what we accumulate, but by the lives we touch and the hearts we lift.

As I look to the future, I do so with renewed purpose. My journey is far from over, and my mission to serve others continues. To every young girl who sees herself in my story: know this—your dreams are valid, your voice matters, and your future is boundless. Believe in your worth, cherish the power of education, and never let your circumstances define your destiny.

Thank you for walking this journey with me. The road has been long, but it has also been beautiful. I have no regret, but appreciation for 50 years.