My name is Angelina Anh Laute, a Grade 10 student at the Western Academy of Beijing. I am American with Vietnamese-German heritage, but I was born in Beijing and have lived here all my life. I am a drummer in a band with my best friends at school and have been a Taekwondo practitioner for the past five years. 
Can you briefly tell us about the Peachy Run project and how it led to your current internship at the children’s home Dew Drops?
For my WAB Personal Project, I organized a community charity event, Peachy Charity Run & Brunch, dedicated to raising funds for a five-year-old orphan called Ping who suffers from a rare genetic skin disease (epidermolysis bullosa, or EB). I wanted to raise RMB 10,000 for one month of specialized care. Through social media campaigns, posters, and talks around my school, [as well as through]community outreach and local media, over 50 people attended the charity run and over 100 people donated locally and internationally, raising RMB 28,068.65 – almost triple my initial goal. My family has visited Ping at Dew Drops, a home for medically compromised children, for ten years. When my classmates and I had to choose an area of work for the World of Work one-week internship program, I thought of Dew Drops’ inspiring leaders and children and knew I wanted to work with them.
What motivated you to start the Peachy Run and raise funds for Ping?
My family started the project. Since I was a little girl, I’ve seen my mom help our Beijing community. I first saw this when I played with orphans in the dental office waiting room while my mom and her doctors gave free dental care to needy children. In high school, my brother started the Peachy Run. I wanted to help my community after watching my family work.
I realized that only a cause I care about and connect with would motivate me to finish my charity run. Ping came to mind. Two years ago, his patience, strength, and resilience inspired me. I understand Ping’s discomfort, insecurity, and physical pain because my brother had skin issues as a child. To prevent infections, his caregivers apply ointment and bandages daily. I always see him smiling. I wanted to give back after he inspired me.
Could you describe your experiences during the Peachy Run and the impact it had on Ping’s life?
During the project, strangers approached me at school and on social media. They told me my project inspired them. The best feeling is seeing so many people passionate about something I love. The power of community was shown by people working together for a common goal. The Peachy Run & Brunch will provide Ping with specialized care for over four months, including bandaging materials (4,000 rolls of gauze and 100 boxes of petroleum gauze), food, and 24/7 loving caregivers.
What made you decide to pursue an internship at the children’s home after the Peachy Run? How has your time at the home been so far, and what have you learned from the experience?
After my Peachy Run, I wanted to learn how I could continue to make my altruistic actions more effective and have a larger impact, and I knew Dew Drops and their team of strong and compassionate women would help me do that. In addition, I especially looked forward to the daily interactions with the children and the rewarding experience it would bring. My time at Dew Drops has made me understand the operational processes of a successful nonprofit organization. Every day, the women there must adapt to the constant changes in their work, with new children entering their programs and finding new innovative ways to spread their message to a wider audience. No matter how challenging work can get, they always have the safety and happiness of their children as the number one priority.
Can you share a specific moment or story from this week’s internship that has had a profound impact on you? How has this experience influenced your perspective on helping others and making a difference?One day I came to work with two braids and a little girl said she loved them and wished she could have them too. We sat on the ground and I braided her hair. We sang along to songs on her toy radio, she showed me her favorite puzzle. She explained her favorite colors and flowers, and I read her the Ugly Duckling while she turned the pages. While braiding her hair, we shared an intimacy like my mom and I. I assumed someone would braid my hair and read me picture books. Family’s smallest details create lasting memories. I’m glad I could give the little girl those small moments, as I had them when I was younger.
（Official WeChat account of the children’s home）
Images: Courtesy of Angelina Anh Laute
