Hannah's fervor for the English language and literature is not only academically driven but also deeply personal. She has confided in me her life story, which is a testament to her resilience and determination. Her personal journey has been a source of inspiration to her peers and me. It is rare to encounter a student who not only excels academically but also brings such a wealth of personal experience to their studies.
– Hannah’s professor

Meet Hannah

Hannah has endured many unspeakable hardships in North Korea as well as China, through which she traveled in her escape to the United States. During this process, Hannah was first introduced to Christianity and began studying the Bible with other North Korean women as they waited for their refugee applications to be processed. Though Hannah’s impending entry into the U.S. was a source of great hope and anticipation, her arrival presented her with challenging barriers that she continues to overcome. Through these circumstances, she confronted deep anguish that caused her to question God’s existence.

Hannah shares:

So many heartbreaking things happened all at once … I couldn’t find any more reasons to live and simply wanted to die. In the 10 minutes while driving home from work it was on my mind to end my life and I was crying so hard. Suddenly I felt an all-encompassing hug. I was so shocked because no one else was in the car with me but I was being held in a fierce hug …
And I realized it was Jesus. I heard Jesus speak to my hardships, telling me He knows … He knows my hardships … At this moment, every pain and suffering tensed up inside of me began to unravel and relax. The difficulties didn’t stop there—there were layoffs and job changes and other challenges, and I wondered why I had to travel such a hard road for so long—but since that encounter, I could feel God’s presence helping me to overcome each hardship.

Now, finally starting to realize her dream of studying much later in life and realizing a vision beyond daily survival, Hannah is hungry to learn, grow, and lead others to open their eyes to both the blessings and warnings around them. As someone who has persevered through the horrors of a society riddled with moral decay and spiritual rebellion, she is filled with urgency to speak up in her newly adopted nation and awaken future generations with her perspective.

Hannah adds, “I later realized the reason I had to travel such a long journey. In the process I was becoming more freed, healed, and changed from the old ways and sin-filled ideas from my time in North Korea.”

Through her English language studies she was exposed to courses on ethnic studies, the experiences of American immigrants, and Asian American history. She was absolutely fascinated by what she learned, and deeply convicted that as she was focused on her own survival she never considered the tear-streaked stories of lives that compose the community around her. Hannah finds that her studies – about the American immigrant experience, the civil rights movement, and truths about the Korean War that run counter to her North Korean education, including the adoption of thousands of Korean orphans to the U.S. – are profoundly moving and often bring her to tears.

As she learns, Hannah is experiencing history unfold through a lens of gratitude and grace. She is considering an adjustment to her major to reflect her interest in English and Asian American studies. Just as she was transformed and inspired, she wants to use her education to change lives, challenge future generations with her hard-won perspectives, and help contribute to a better society.

Journey with Hannah as she forges a new chapter in her story with indomitable conviction and determination to impact the lives of others.

[Note: Given the compromising nature of revealing personally identifiable information of North Koreans, the above image has been chosen by Hannah 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 Hannah at: www.psaltnk.org/risescholars/hannah

Journey with Hannah

Hannah is studying English and Asian American History determined to impact lives and build a brighter future for others.