“Mom, see you later, love you.” I said, trying to make it sound like any ordinary day. I stood there without moving until her back vanished from sight. I could feel as if a knife was piercing my heart. It was the final farewell.”

- Chloe

Meet Chloe

When Chloe was 9 years old she was forced to witness the public execution of three men by firing squad. The smell of gunpower, and the horrific sight of bodies exploding and crumbling to the ground was absolutely traumatizing. Their crime was watching and distributing K-pop songs and dramas.

Years later Chloe was also caught watching a South Korean TV show, and was subjected to terrible physical and verbal abuse. She was spared because her mother pleaded, begged, and bribed the guards handsomely to release her. Despite the terror of punishment, this was the moment she resolved she must find a way to escape.

Chloe had no idea how to get to South Korea or what this lonely and frightening journey would entail, but to protect her mother, she could not even hint that she was leaving. “My mother taught me values, kindness, and warmth; she was not only my first teacher in my life but also my closest friend. [That morning] my mother and I lost each other, our most precious ones… That day, she was about to go to work as usual... “Mom, see you later, love you.” I said, trying to make it sound like any ordinary day. I stood there without moving until her back vanished from sight. I could feel as if a knife was piercing my heart. It was the final farewell.”

Chloe set out alone often traveling through the woods for days with hardly any food. She moved through villages seeking help from strangers, narrowly escaped capture, and eventually connected with relatives in China to help her secure an escape route through China and Southeast Asia. Although she was not able to see her mother again, she was able to briefly communicate with her mother through relatives after reaching South Korea. Feeling extremely overwhelmed, disadvantaged, and vulnerable in a new environment, her mother’s expression of pride and hope for her daughter inspires her to press on.

The compassion and kindness she experiences from colleagues and others who helped her resettle in a new environment sparked a desire and compassion to help others in similar situations. After initially studying social welfare, she decided to pursue a career in dental hygiene to gain knowledge and skills to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those who could benefit from her care and medical knowledge. Her decision to enter this field is especially meaningful as her mother also has a background in this field. She wants to honor her mom by becoming a skilled, empathetic, and caring dental professional who makes a difference in the lives of those in need.

Journey with Chloe as she studies dental hygiene to make a difference through her profession, and pay forward the love and care that her mom and others poured into her life.

[Note: Given the compromising nature of revealing personally identifiable information of North Koreans, the above image has been chosen by Chloe to represent her campaign.]

How Your Contribution Helps

Tuition Assistance: Your gift helps RISE Scholars more fully dedicate themselves to their studies by alleviating some financial burdens and responsibilities.
Books, Transportation, Rent, Fees, and Meals: Your gift helps to support the numerous other costs associated with daily life and health. Many refugees are on their own, without family or a robust community support system to lean on.
Encouragement: Your gift is deeply encouraging to our RISE Scholars receiving your support. The hope and confidence they gain as others come together to support them on their journeys is an immeasurable blessing.
Prayer: Your prayer support throughout the school year will help to provide care, protection, comfort, guidance, and open doors beyond any human control!

Ways to Support

Support a RISE Scholar who inspires you directly on their Givebutter campaign page.
Support the RISE Scholars program, which encompasses all base scholarships and program costs. Visit www.psaltnk.org/risescholars for more information!

PSALT NK

Founded in 2006, PSALT NK is a U.S. based 501(c)(3) non-profit Christian charity dedicated to the needs of North Korean refugees. PSALT's work includes addressing the educational needs of North Korean refugees through RISE (Resource Initiative to Support Education). RISE services include ELL and academic tutoring, college application and essay support, career mentorship, and live education-related webinars. The RISE Scholars scholarship program, launched in 2024, expands PSALT's effort to meet the education-related needs of the North Korean refugee community across the United States. (EIN: 03-0593240)

To learn more visit: www.psaltnk.org/rise.

Visit Chloe at: www.psaltnk.org/risescholars/chloe

Journey with Chloe

Chloe is studying dental hygiene to care for her community and one day hopes to provide dental care for North Korean people with her medical skills.