Jane Jae-Kyung Shin Family Spirit of Resilience Award

Throughout the years, my family has overcome barriers and adversities- and community has always been there for us.

My family immigrated to Canada from South Korea when I was 11 years old, without English fluency. My parents ran an ice cream store in a struggling shopping mall to fulfill our condition for citizenship. At 16, I was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disorder and was treated back to health by a dedicated team of health care professionals at the B.C. Children s Hospital. During this time, their business caved in, as my long recovery consumed their attention and resources. Financial hardship was as immediate, as it was real; until various government and community programs and funds empowered my parents. They were able to access the means and find the courage to go back to school to train as Healthcare Assistants. They were 50 and 54 years old, when they wore their blue cap and gown, graduating from a six-month College program. Today in their 70’s, they continue at the frontline as essential service workers in healthcare.

My family attributes our security and wellbeing to the values and policies of our society. As beneficiaries of our neighbours' generosity, we have always been active in community service.

Everyday at Vancouver Community College, I see faces like my parents’ and stories like my family’s in the making. In 2019, I decided to endow a fund for two $1,000 awards to support students every year, who brave significant challenges; while pursuing their studies like my parents.

VCC is our family’s home away from home and our livelihood. I hope you will join me in supporting our students and their families’ and be the heroes that my parents and my family once counted on.

If you want to share in inspiring a VCC student’s educational experience, donations can be made directly on the website by selecting “Jane Shin Family Spirit of Resilience Award” in the pull-down menu under Designation.