From Fear to Purpose—Nayoung's Story

Nayoung was raised at Dongmyung Children’s Center until she moved to the United States at the age of 13 and met her new YANA family in 2017.

Nayoung started attending UC Riverside in California in Fall 2023, majoring in Computer Science.

"Unconditional Love” 

This is the phrase that paraphrases my experience in the States.

God imbued His overwhelming love through the YANA Ministry. My family’s unconditional love has made me realize what it means to have a family. My family led me to become a better person with patience and helped me to realize that I am a valuable person. They fulfilled my life with happiness and helped me overcome my fear of starting something new. Without my family’s unconditional love, I would not be who I am today. Through YANA’s Study Abroad Program, not only did I meet the family I have now, but I have also encountered teachers who had the sincerest desire to teach and inseparable friends in school. At my second home church, I felt loved when adults and the youth group welcomed me every week. 

After being a receiver of “unconditional love” for nine years, I discovered my purpose in life and it motivated me to set my life goal—the goal to spread the message of “You Are Not Alone.” As I major in computer science in college, I would like to meet people with a common goal and send the message of “You Are Not Alone” to the world. 

Nayoung

YANA Study Abroad Program for children raised in welfare homes