On May 12th a dream I didn’t think possibly became a reality as I graduated from UC Berkeley with a BS degree in Microbial Biology with a toxicology minor. We have a saying in Korea that says, "A misfortune turns into a blessing." And I have been blessed in many ways. I could have remained a victim, however, because of the assistance I received, I was able to move on with my life and to see that I can become a life-giving member of my community. I am still studying and preparing to become a lab scientist for the Public Health Department which is actually a two-year process.  My dream became a reality thanks to the assistance I received at Mary’s Guest House. 

V's graduation from University of California Berkeley in May 2023.

At a time when I was a victim of crime and needed shelter, I miraculously met the sisters, and they gave me the opportunities to live and be educated. I had a really hard time, especially mentally because my case took several years before completion. I was extremely depressed, and demotivated, my behavior at times was dysfunctional and I was stressed. Mary’s Guest House never abandoned me, and it became my real home. Like family members, several of us still return to celebrate the holidays together as this is where we feel at home. I believe if I could overcome my experiences, so can others and I would like to be a role model for them. I feel in the beginning, I went through a lot of trials and errors because I did not know what opportunities were available to me. Learning from my journey, I also would like to help others move forward with their lives quicker than I did. Thank you for supporting Mary’s Guest House for in doing so you helped me be where I am today.