Dear Aunt Jeng,

How are you? This is Dai RongJu. I hope you still remember me.

I first met you in September of 2002 when I was a 9th grader at Yuanyang No.1 High School. We were at the school conference room when you appeared. As I recall, it was an auspicious autumn day with a splendid sunsetting as the backdrop. You greeted us and gave a hug to everyone. In an instant, our nervousness melted away.

You started to talk and I was blown away by it. You said, “Helping you is actually helping myself. You need not to thank me for it. It is like watching a person drowning and I just could not stay idle on the side. My conscience would not allow it. If I didn’t raise my hands to save you, I would regret it for the rest of my life.” Then you became emotional and I was overwhelmed with tears. You continued, “Be a kind, giving person. You should strive to be the person who holds the palm down in giving, and not be the one holding the palm up in the hope of receiving. It is through giving that we define our own worthiness and self-fulfillment.” I learned, for the first time, that love asks for nothing in return. I have been affected by this selfless love ever since.

Peach altered my life thoroughly and profoundly. I was able to complete my education due to Peach’s scholarship of $400 per semester in middle school and $800 in high school. I received a free loan for my college education. In addition to the financial help, the summer camp shaped my perspective of the world. The love that was endowed on me by you and by many volunteer aunts and uncles changed my destiny.

In 2010, I graduated from Baise University of Guangxi with a degree in tourism management. Now, eleven years later, I have a family and own my business. I would like to pass the torch of love to the young students who are in need of help. I have sponsored two high school students so far. I hope, in the future, I can help even more students.

I miss you all. I hope I will meet you soon, Aunt Jeng.

May you and your family stay healthy and enjoy a happy life.

Dai Rong Ju
Feb., 2022