Yan Wang, Yer's CREATE Recipient and Teacher, with Yer and Mayor Sullivan

Yer Vang had an enormous personal struggle and hardship last year. 

She endured the serious illness of her mother and then lost her to that illness last summer.  Yer has nine siblings.  She took time off from her school to care for her mother and watch over her five younger siblings to make sure they were attending school and doing their best.  Now, back in school, she still takes care of her siblings, while their father is absent.  She does a very good job at it – she has taught them to be kind, polite and successful students. 

Yer has volunteered her time to be the treasurer and president of the Bartlett High Multicultural Club.  She has worked hard to encourage the involvement of more students and lead fundraising several events.  Under her successful leadership, many club members from low social economic families have been able to take trips to different parts of Alaska and Lower 48.  She has also volunteered at Muldoon Elementary’s after school programs, mentoring younger students.  She is a great role model for many young students who are facing adversities daily.

 Her determination and drive to reach her goal to work in the medical field are evident.  She has worked diligently to make up her school work and from the time that she was away from school and has taken the medical terminology and several related classes that Bartlett has to offer.  She is a fourth year Chinese language student who is reading and writing, as well as speaking very well so she will be able to enroll in a second year Chinese class at UAA, which she plans to attend in the fall. 

Yer’s Nominator and Teacher Yan Wang added:

Her abilities to absorb new and difficult materials are astonishing.  She is always enthusiastic and kind to her fellow students.  Her optimistic nature and her courage give me great pleasure to work with her daily.  Her humble nature keeps me and many of my colleagues grounded.  We feel very fortunate to be working with her.