Our Impact
Since 2013, we’ve helped over 112 students find hope and opportunities through our scholarship and mentorship programs. So far 47 students have graduated through Oak Tree Project.
Feedback from our Graduates
From our 2023 graduates...
- Before OTP (Oak Tree Project), I was depressed. I blamed others a lot for many circumstances, and I didn’t have any confidence in myself. But after being a part of OTP, I realized that I had many people who were willing to help me. That led me to think that I am able to do many things and confidence began to grow within me. Their love helped me overcome my depression.
- My mentor influenced my life a lot. She really helped me to see things from a positive point of view. She taught me to see how God has given me different opportunities and that He is with me each step of the way.
- Whenever I would have gatherings with other organizations (for orphans or for college students) I always felt that there was a gap with people, but with OTP I didn’t feel any gap.
- I used to not be a great student, but thanks to OTP's 3.0 GPA requirement I was motivated to study well during college and I gained confidence with each year. The motivation I had to study began to extend to other areas as well.
- When I would get discouraged and become negative, I felt like my mentor would just walk by and turn the lights on for me. Her brightness influenced me.
- The fun that I had in OTP is incomparable to other programs. I didn’t feel like OTP was a scholarship program, it felt like somewhere I belong; it felt more like a family.
- I became more sincere in my relationship with God and my attitude toward life changed a lot through this program. My mentor has had a big impact on my life! He has kept telling me that God loves me unconditionally. He also taught me practical things in life too, while continually encouraging me to rely on God rather than worldly things.
- I was very lonely my first year in college before applying for OTP, but I became a totally different person my 2nd year after joining the program and I loved it. In the past I always had a hard time getting along with older people, but through OTP and through my mentor's dedicated love I was able to build comfortable relationships with adults. I value all the people I met in OTP, both students and mentors.
From our 2022 graduates...
- "Since I was away from all of my friends in a different city due to my school, I was lonely physically. But mentally, emotionally, and financially I was very stable thanks to OTP (Oak Tree Project). I never felt like I was alone. I was able to rely on my mentor weekly and I felt strength knowing I had someone who cared for me."
- "I have never seen a scholarship program as perfect as OTP. I have applied and participated in many scholarship programs and every program except OTP had a timeline, which means it has an expiration date. However, OTP doesn’t. As long as the mentor and the mentee agree to keep up with each other, they can be in touch for their lifetime. I think this is very important and makes OTP stand out from others."
- "Through my mentor I learned how to get close to God. This started out with going to church once a week but little by little God has entered into my life and has become a part of my daily life. I also made many memories with my mentor. She encouraged me to try different things that I have never experienced before. Once a month we would try new things like nail art, going to different art exhibits, and trying different food. Since I was in the program for four years I have been able to try so many different things. At the time those things didn't seem like that much, but when I look back those experiences gave me a different perspective on life. I know I couldn't have afforded any of those activities on my own, but I was able to try everything thanks to OTP. Those memories with my mentor brought me so much joy and I'm thankful we will continue with our relationship even though I have now graduated."
- "Before I met my mentor my self esteem was very low. I had recently transferred to a different school and felt very incompetent. But my mentor always encouraged me and cheered me up. His words helped build me up. He never failed to encourage me over the two years that I have known him. He encouraged me even in our last meeting, how I would be great whatever I will do in the future. His encouragement made me feel loved and helped me to truly believe in myself. Also, with covid affecting Korea during my two years in school I know I would have been a loner without OTP and my mentor. I'm thankful for all the time we were able to spend together."
- "My mentor helped me a lot with my first year as a college student. She helped me with my reports and other assignments, and I also learned a lot from what she shared from her own life experiences. She told me her own testimonies of her faith and that helped me to be more open to God. I was initially resistant to God when I first entered college, but that resistance disappeared through her stories and her love. My mentor, the quarterly meetings, the book assignments, the outings, and the teachings were all wonderful for me. I would highly recommend this program to others. I don’t think there is a program as perfect as OTP."
- "When I entered college I didn't know much about society and I was nervous about many things. Thanks to my mentor and OTP I grew a lot and feel a lot more stable now. I became more relaxed over the years and no longer fearful about my future. The money from the scholarship also gave me a lot of peace during my time in college."
- "I used to try to avoid conflicts by lying or simply not answering. However after I started OTP, I started to be more honest to my mentor. It didn’t start like that, but through the program I have learned that it is better to tell the truth even if that means being in trouble. The best part of the program is having someone who is older and who has more experience being your mentor. This made me make better choices."
- One of the graduates visited one of our staff the other night and delivered a letter to her for the OTP staff. In the letter he expressed that since starting work he has been reflecting back on his time in college. In the letter he shared, "Physically and emotionally thanks to OTP I was able to fully enjoy my time in college. And looking back I received so much from OTP but I didn't give back anything. I know that the staff doesn't serve us for money or for any return, but after now working and earning my first paycheck I felt moved to give some of it to you all in thanks. It isn't much in comparison to how much I've received from you all, but I hope with this gift you all can enjoy a nice meal together. I look forward to maintaining a relationship with you all and I hope that one day I can come back to OTP as a mentor and as a strong Christian. I hope that I will grow to love God as much as you all do. Thank you again and love you all." He included with his letter money to treat us to a nice meal. We were all moved and encouraged as we read his letter.
- "Since I was away from all of my friends in a different city due to my school, I was lonely physically. But mentally, emotionally, and financially I was very stable due to OTP (Oak Tree Project). I never felt like I was alone. I was able to rely on my mentor weekly and I felt strength knowing I had someone who cared for me."
- "I have never seen a scholarship program as perfect as OTP. I have applied and participated in many scholarship programs and every program except OTP had a timeline, which means it has an expiration date. However, OTP doesn’t. As long as the mentor and the mentee agrees to keep up with each other, they can be in touch for their lifetime. I think this is the most important and makes OTP stand out from others."
- "Through my mentor I learned how to get close to God. This started out with going to church once a week but little by little God has entered into my life and has become a part of my daily life. I also made many memories with my mentor. She encouraged me to try different things that I have never experienced before. Once a month we would try new things like nail art, going to different art exhibits, and trying different food. Since I was in the program for four years I have been able to try so many different things. At the time those things didn't seem like that much, but when I look back those experiences gave me a different perspective on life. I know I couldn't have afforded any of those activities on my own, but I was able to try everything thanks to OTP. Those memories with my mentor brought me so much joy and I'm thankful we will continue with our relationship even though I have now graduated."
- "Before I met my mentor my self esteem was very low. I had recently transferred to a different school and felt very incompetent. But my mentor always encouraged me and cheered me up. His words helped build me up. He never failed to encourage me over the two years that I have known him. He encouraged me even in our last meeting, how I would be great whatever I will do in the future. His encouragement made me feel loved and helped me to truly believe in myself. Also, with covid affecting Korea during my two years in school I know I would have been a loner without OTP and my mentor. I'm thankful for all the time we were able to spend together."
- "My mentor helped me a lot with my first year as a college student. She helped me with my reports, and other assignments and I also learned a lot from what she shared from her own life experiences. She told me her own testimonies of her faith that helped me to be more open to God. I was initially resistant to God when I first entered college, but that resistance disappeared through her stories and her love. My mentor, the quarterly meetings, the book assignments, the outings, and the teachings were all wonderful for me. I would highly recommend this program to others. I don’t think there is a program as perfect as OTP."
- "When I entered college I didn't know much about society and I was nervous about many things. Thanks to my mentor and OTP I grew a lot and feel a lot more stable now. I became more relaxed over the years and no longer fearful about my future. The money from the scholarship also gave me a lot of peace during my time in college."
- "I used to try to avoid conflicts by lying or simply not answering. However after I started OTP, I started to be more honest to my mentor. It didn’t start like that, but through the program I have learned that it is better to tell the truth even if that means being in trouble. The best part of the program is having someone who is older and who has more experience being your mentor. This made me make better choices."
From 2021…
- "During this whole time I never thought I was alone. I always felt warmth through my years with OTP (Oak Tree Project) and it was always comforting to know there are people who are praying for me. I was truly happy to be a part of Oak Tree Project. The best part of the program was knowing people from the same background and being free to be ourselves. I also learned the importance of being on time and how my lateness could hurt others. I learned to value other peoples’ time.” This student also expressed her desire to become a mentor with us in the future.
- “I was very immature in my attitude and actions when I first joined Oak Tree Project (she was often late and was almost dropped), but through the program my attitude began to change. My mentor was genuine with me and selfless in her love and that affected me a lot. My mentor changed my view about myself and helped me feel confident and a sense of self worth. I am who I am because my mentor taught me to be free from my background as an orphan. I learned how to love with no strings attached by my mentor and I want to love others like my mentor loved me. I would love to be a mentor with Oak Tree Project. I also am very proud that I graduated despite my many mistakes. In my 23 years of life this program has had the greatest impact on me.”
- “The seminars and teachings in Oak Tree Project made me think about the value of life. No one had taught me what is important in life so Oak Tree Project really made me think. Also, God provided a lot when I prayed. I am usually awkward and shy but I felt free to be myself with Oak Tree Project. I really enjoyed my time with this program. My thoughts and my communication skills improved a lot over the years through my weekly phone calls with my mentor. One of my friends expressed to me that she is impressed by how I share about my feelings so openly and help others open up too. My friend felt I am healthy because of that.”
- “I gained strength to overcome my fear of failure through Oak Tree Project. I had no motivation growing up in the children’s home but through Oak Tree Project I gained a motivation to study better and do better in my life, looking more to the future than just the present. I became more grateful. I felt safety with my mentor to be able to open up with her and feel connected and listened to. This relationship became so important to me. I am also thankful for the stability the scholarship brought me and knowing the program was looking out for me. I didn’t feel fear for the present or the future.”
- “I valued my relationship with my mentor. Without the program I likely would have given up and quit my school. The hardest part of the program was attending the summer outing and trying to get to know new people, but then that ended up becoming my favorite part of the program. I love the summer outing!"
- “I was really shy at the beginning of the program but now I am more confident and am able to talk with other people. I had a lot of fear of sharing my thoughts and emotions but through my four years with my mentor I became more comfortable and more confident. I usually have a lot of worries but my mentor’s encouragement helped me try new things and get over my self doubts. I didn’t feel alone while on Oak Tree Project because I knew I am accepted by this program and loved no matter what. This program also helped me keep my relationship with God.”
- “I liked my mentor a lot. She listened to me and wasn’t forceful but helped guide me in a loving way. I loved talking with her. It was hard for me to open up at first but my mentor’s love and kindness gradually helped me relax and share fully. The money also made me feel like I’m not lacking anything. I enjoyed going out to the programs' quarterly meetings.”
- “I used to be blunt and straightforward and not socially skilled, but through the program I learned to talk more gently and my relationship skills grew. Because we grew up in similar backgrounds I felt safe opening up with others on the program and being honest. This was really good for me. Also meeting the different mentors with different backgrounds and jobs helped me a lot. I wasn’t able to learn much from the older students at my school but I learned a lot through the mentors of Oak Tree Project. Slowly, my thoughts and values have changed. I didn’t think they would, but Oak Tree Project has clearly helped me in a positive way. My mentor went through many life stages (jobless for a period, working hard, dating, getting married, having a child) and watching him challenged me to live life better. My trip with the staff and students was one of my favorite moments of my life. It feltlike I was in a movie. I also liked how the mentors and staff had no hierarchy mindset but really respected everyone as adults.”
- “My values changed through Oak Tree Project. In the beginning I didn’t study, always played, and wasn’t grateful. But through OTP I began to change. I didn’t get the scholarship one semester due to my low grades and that woke me up. I studied more than I ever had before and got grades I had never gotten. I used to only pray when I needed something badly, but I’ve grown with God a lot and now pray regularly. I used to cut people off that I didn’t like or get along with but OTP helped me grow as a person and be more gracious. My mentor always cheered me on but also gave me a lot of realistic advice. I loved the books we were assigned to read and they helped me know and understand God more. I’m thankful for the good influence OTP has had on me and I want to be a good influence to others in the same way. I used to only know how to have fun drinking alcohol with friends but through OTP I learned I can have a lot of fun without alcohol. My best college memories were with OTP.”
From our 2020 graduates…
- A four year student mentored by a married couple shared that the biggest change in his life from being mentored is his confidence. By their loving words, encouragement, and empathy, he can tell that he is much more confident now. He shared that he cannot think of himself without them (the staff interviewing was very touched as he shared this). The person who he is right now is because of his mentors.
- Another four year student also shared that the biggest change in her life from being mentored is her confidence. She shared she felt very cared for and loved by her mentor's attentive listening. During her 1st year in college she used to experience a lot of emotional roller coasters, but now she could tell that her emotions are pretty stable. Her pastor told her that her attitude and countenance have changed since her first year in college. He could feel that her heart is changing radically, much more than the other young adults. She shared that it is impossible to not feel grateful for Oak Tree Project: the mentoring, the money, and the staff.
- One of our recent graduates from the countryside was only with our program for her last year of school (she found out about our program late). She shared that she appreciated her mentor for listening to her, giving advice, and taking her to many places in Seoul so that she could enjoy the city whenever she visited. She shared that she liked our program's rules like book reading, expense recording, and sermon notes because those were her resolutions for college. She shared that the fundraising events (particularly Oak Tree Run) were very powerful because she could see how many people are willing to help and support them. She also expressed that the effort of the staff was very touching and she could feel our genuine and pure love for them. Like the previous four year student, she shared that it is impossible to not appreciate our work.
- Another recent graduate shared that she originally applied to Oak Tree Project solely for the money and did not expect to receive so much more than just a scholarship. She learned from her mentors (a married couple) what a healthy family looks like and how to love your spouse. She shared that she loved our quarterly meetings, especially our overnight trips, as she was able to open up with different students about things that she couldn't share about with anyone else (orphans usually have to hide their background and have trouble finding other people who can relate to them, so our students enjoy our gatherings because they feel safe with each other). She shared that she would like to become a mentor with us in the future and feels she can do well since she can fully relate to the students.From our 2022 graduates...
- Before OTP (Oak Tree Project), I was depressed. I blamed others a lot for many circumstances, and I didn’t have any confidence in myself. But after being a part of OTP, I realized that I had many people who were willing to help me. That led me to think that I am able to do many things and confidence began to grow within me. Their love helped me overcome my depression.
- My mentor influenced my life a lot. She really helped me to see things from a positive point of view. She taught me to see how God has given me different opportunities and that He is with me each step of the way.
- Whenever I would have gatherings with other organizations (for orphans or for college students) I always felt that there was a gap with people, but with OTP I didn’t feel any gap.
- I used to not be a great student, but thanks to OTP's 3.0 GPA requirement I was motivated to study well during college and I gained confidence with each year. The motivation I had to study began to extend to other areas as well.
- When I would get discouraged and become negative, I felt like my mentor would just walk by and turn the lights on for me. Her brightness influenced me.
- The fun that I had in OTP is incomparable to other programs. I didn’t feel like OTP was a scholarship program, it felt like somewhere I belong; it felt more like a family.
- I became more sincere in my relationship with God and my attitude toward life changed a lot through this program. My mentor has had a big impact on my life! He has kept telling me that God loves me unconditionally. He also taught me practical things in life too, while continually encouraging me to rely on God rather than worldly things.
- I was very lonely my first year in college before applying for OTP, but I became a totally different person my 2nd year after joining the program and I loved it. In the past I always had a hard time getting along with older people, but through OTP and through my mentor's dedicated love I was able to build comfortable relationships with adults. I value all the people I met in OTP, both students and mentors.
From our 2022 graduates...
- "Since I was away from all of my friends in a different city due to my school, I was lonely physically. But mentally, emotionally, and financially I was very stable thanks to OTP (Oak Tree Project). I never felt like I was alone. I was able to rely on my mentor weekly and I felt strength knowing I had someone who cared for me."
- "I have never seen a scholarship program as perfect as OTP. I have applied and participated in many scholarship programs and every program except OTP had a timeline, which means it has an expiration date. However, OTP doesn’t. As long as the mentor and the mentee agree to keep up with each other, they can be in touch for their lifetime. I think this is very important and makes OTP stand out from others."
- "Through my mentor I learned how to get close to God. This started out with going to church once a week but little by little God has entered into my life and has become a part of my daily life. I also made many memories with my mentor. She encouraged me to try different things that I have never experienced before. Once a month we would try new things like nail art, going to different art exhibits, and trying different food. Since I was in the program for four years I have been able to try so many different things. At the time those things didn't seem like that much, but when I look back those experiences gave me a different perspective on life. I know I couldn't have afforded any of those activities on my own, but I was able to try everything thanks to OTP. Those memories with my mentor brought me so much joy and I'm thankful we will continue with our relationship even though I have now graduated."
- "Before I met my mentor my self esteem was very low. I had recently transferred to a different school and felt very incompetent. But my mentor always encouraged me and cheered me up. His words helped build me up. He never failed to encourage me over the two years that I have known him. He encouraged me even in our last meeting, how I would be great whatever I will do in the future. His encouragement made me feel loved and helped me to truly believe in myself. Also, with covid affecting Korea during my two years in school I know I would have been a loner without OTP and my mentor. I'm thankful for all the time we were able to spend together."
- "My mentor helped me a lot with my first year as a college student. She helped me with my reports and other assignments, and I also learned a lot from what she shared from her own life experiences. She told me her own testimonies of her faith and that helped me to be more open to God. I was initially resistant to God when I first entered college, but that resistance disappeared through her stories and her love. My mentor, the quarterly meetings, the book assignments, the outings, and the teachings were all wonderful for me. I would highly recommend this program to others. I don’t think there is a program as perfect as OTP."
- "When I entered college I didn't know much about society and I was nervous about many things. Thanks to my mentor and OTP I grew a lot and feel a lot more stable now. I became more relaxed over the years and no longer fearful about my future. The money from the scholarship also gave me a lot of peace during my time in college."
- "I used to try to avoid conflicts by lying or simply not answering. However after I started OTP, I started to be more honest to my mentor. It didn’t start like that, but through the program I have learned that it is better to tell the truth even if that means being in trouble. The best part of the program is having someone who is older and who has more experience being your mentor. This made me make better choices."
- One of the graduates visited one of our staff the other night and delivered a letter to her for the OTP staff. In the letter he expressed that since starting work he has been reflecting back on his time in college. In the letter he shared, "Physically and emotionally thanks to OTP I was able to fully enjoy my time in college. And looking back I received so much from OTP but I didn't give back anything. I know that the staff doesn't serve us for money or for any return, but after now working and earning my first paycheck I felt moved to give some of it to you all in thanks. It isn't much in comparison to how much I've received from you all, but I hope with this gift you all can enjoy a nice meal together. I look forward to maintaining a relationship with you all and I hope that one day I can come back to OTP as a mentor and as a strong Christian. I hope that I will grow to love God as much as you all do. Thank you again and love you all." He included with his letter money to treat us to a nice meal. We were all moved and encouraged as we read his letter.
- "Since I was away from all of my friends in a different city due to my school, I was lonely physically. But mentally, emotionally, and financially I was very stable due to OTP (Oak Tree Project). I never felt like I was alone. I was able to rely on my mentor weekly and I felt strength knowing I had someone who cared for me."
- "I have never seen a scholarship program as perfect as OTP. I have applied and participated in many scholarship programs and every program except OTP had a timeline, which means it has an expiration date. However, OTP doesn’t. As long as the mentor and the mentee agrees to keep up with each other, they can be in touch for their lifetime. I think this is the most important and makes OTP stand out from others."
- "Through my mentor I learned how to get close to God. This started out with going to church once a week but little by little God has entered into my life and has become a part of my daily life. I also made many memories with my mentor. She encouraged me to try different things that I have never experienced before. Once a month we would try new things like nail art, going to different art exhibits, and trying different food. Since I was in the program for four years I have been able to try so many different things. At the time those things didn't seem like that much, but when I look back those experiences gave me a different perspective on life. I know I couldn't have afforded any of those activities on my own, but I was able to try everything thanks to OTP. Those memories with my mentor brought me so much joy and I'm thankful we will continue with our relationship even though I have now graduated."
- "Before I met my mentor my self esteem was very low. I had recently transferred to a different school and felt very incompetent. But my mentor always encouraged me and cheered me up. His words helped build me up. He never failed to encourage me over the two years that I have known him. He encouraged me even in our last meeting, how I would be great whatever I will do in the future. His encouragement made me feel loved and helped me to truly believe in myself. Also, with covid affecting Korea during my two years in school I know I would have been a loner without OTP and my mentor. I'm thankful for all the time we were able to spend together."
- "My mentor helped me a lot with my first year as a college student. She helped me with my reports, and other assignments and I also learned a lot from what she shared from her own life experiences. She told me her own testimonies of her faith that helped me to be more open to God. I was initially resistant to God when I first entered college, but that resistance disappeared through her stories and her love. My mentor, the quarterly meetings, the book assignments, the outings, and the teachings were all wonderful for me. I would highly recommend this program to others. I don’t think there is a program as perfect as OTP."
- "When I entered college I didn't know much about society and I was nervous about many things. Thanks to my mentor and OTP I grew a lot and feel a lot more stable now. I became more relaxed over the years and no longer fearful about my future. The money from the scholarship also gave me a lot of peace during my time in college."
- "I used to try to avoid conflicts by lying or simply not answering. However after I started OTP, I started to be more honest to my mentor. It didn’t start like that, but through the program I have learned that it is better to tell the truth even if that means being in trouble. The best part of the program is having someone who is older and who has more experience being your mentor. This made me make better choices."
From 2021…
- "During this whole time I never thought I was alone. I always felt warmth through my years with OTP (Oak Tree Project) and it was always comforting to know there are people who are praying for me. I was truly happy to be a part of Oak Tree Project. The best part of the program was knowing people from the same background and being free to be ourselves. I also learned the importance of being on time and how my lateness could hurt others. I learned to value other peoples’ time.” This student also expressed her desire to become a mentor with us in the future.
- “I was very immature in my attitude and actions when I first joined Oak Tree Project (she was often late and was almost dropped), but through the program my attitude began to change. My mentor was genuine with me and selfless in her love and that affected me a lot. My mentor changed my view about myself and helped me feel confident and a sense of self worth. I am who I am because my mentor taught me to be free from my background as an orphan. I learned how to love with no strings attached by my mentor and I want to love others like my mentor loved me. I would love to be a mentor with Oak Tree Project. I also am very proud that I graduated despite my many mistakes. In my 23 years of life this program has had the greatest impact on me.”
- “The seminars and teachings in Oak Tree Project made me think about the value of life. No one had taught me what is important in life so Oak Tree Project really made me think. Also, God provided a lot when I prayed. I am usually awkward and shy but I felt free to be myself with Oak Tree Project. I really enjoyed my time with this program. My thoughts and my communication skills improved a lot over the years through my weekly phone calls with my mentor. One of my friends expressed to me that she is impressed by how I share about my feelings so openly and help others open up too. My friend felt I am healthy because of that.”
- “I gained strength to overcome my fear of failure through Oak Tree Project. I had no motivation growing up in the children’s home but through Oak Tree Project I gained a motivation to study better and do better in my life, looking more to the future than just the present. I became more grateful. I felt safety with my mentor to be able to open up with her and feel connected and listened to. This relationship became so important to me. I am also thankful for the stability the scholarship brought me and knowing the program was looking out for me. I didn’t feel fear for the present or the future.”
- “I valued my relationship with my mentor. Without the program I likely would have given up and quit my school. The hardest part of the program was attending the summer outing and trying to get to know new people, but then that ended up becoming my favorite part of the program. I love the summer outing!"
- “I was really shy at the beginning of the program but now I am more confident and am able to talk with other people. I had a lot of fear of sharing my thoughts and emotions but through my four years with my mentor I became more comfortable and more confident. I usually have a lot of worries but my mentor’s encouragement helped me try new things and get over my self doubts. I didn’t feel alone while on Oak Tree Project because I knew I am accepted by this program and loved no matter what. This program also helped me keep my relationship with God.”
- “I liked my mentor a lot. She listened to me and wasn’t forceful but helped guide me in a loving way. I loved talking with her. It was hard for me to open up at first but my mentor’s love and kindness gradually helped me relax and share fully. The money also made me feel like I’m not lacking anything. I enjoyed going out to the programs' quarterly meetings.”
- “I used to be blunt and straightforward and not socially skilled, but through the program I learned to talk more gently and my relationship skills grew. Because we grew up in similar backgrounds I felt safe opening up with others on the program and being honest. This was really good for me. Also meeting the different mentors with different backgrounds and jobs helped me a lot. I wasn’t able to learn much from the older students at my school but I learned a lot through the mentors of Oak Tree Project. Slowly, my thoughts and values have changed. I didn’t think they would, but Oak Tree Project has clearly helped me in a positive way. My mentor went through many life stages (jobless for a period, working hard, dating, getting married, having a child) and watching him challenged me to live life better. My trip with the staff and students was one of my favorite moments of my life. It feltlike I was in a movie. I also liked how the mentors and staff had no hierarchy mindset but really respected everyone as adults.”
- “My values changed through Oak Tree Project. In the beginning I didn’t study, always played, and wasn’t grateful. But through OTP I began to change. I didn’t get the scholarship one semester due to my low grades and that woke me up. I studied more than I ever had before and got grades I had never gotten. I used to only pray when I needed something badly, but I’ve grown with God a lot and now pray regularly. I used to cut people off that I didn’t like or get along with but OTP helped me grow as a person and be more gracious. My mentor always cheered me on but also gave me a lot of realistic advice. I loved the books we were assigned to read and they helped me know and understand God more. I’m thankful for the good influence OTP has had on me and I want to be a good influence to others in the same way. I used to only know how to have fun drinking alcohol with friends but through OTP I learned I can have a lot of fun without alcohol. My best college memories were with OTP.”
From our 2020 graduates…
- A four year student mentored by a married couple shared that the biggest change in his life from being mentored is his confidence. By their loving words, encouragement, and empathy, he can tell that he is much more confident now. He shared that he cannot think of himself without them (the staff interviewing was very touched as he shared this). The person who he is right now is because of his mentors.
- Another four year student also shared that the biggest change in her life from being mentored is her confidence. She shared she felt very cared for and loved by her mentor's attentive listening. During her 1st year in college she used to experience a lot of emotional roller coasters, but now she could tell that her emotions are pretty stable. Her pastor told her that her attitude and countenance have changed since her first year in college. He could feel that her heart is changing radically, much more than the other young adults. She shared that it is impossible to not feel grateful for Oak Tree Project: the mentoring, the money, and the staff.
- One of our recent graduates from the countryside was only with our program for her last year of school (she found out about our program late). She shared that she appreciated her mentor for listening to her, giving advice, and taking her to many places in Seoul so that she could enjoy the city whenever she visited. She shared that she liked our program's rules like book reading, expense recording, and sermon notes because those were her resolutions for college. She shared that the fundraising events (particularly Oak Tree Run) were very powerful because she could see how many people are willing to help and support them. She also expressed that the effort of the staff was very touching and she could feel our genuine and pure love for them. Like the previous four year student, she shared that it is impossible to not appreciate our work.
- Another recent graduate shared that she originally applied to Oak Tree Project solely for the money and did not expect to receive so much more than just a scholarship. She learned from her mentors (a married couple) what a healthy family looks like and how to love your spouse. She shared that she loved our quarterly meetings, especially our overnight trips, as she was able to open up with different students about things that she couldn't share about with anyone else (orphans usually have to hide their background and have trouble finding other people who can relate to them, so our students enjoy our gatherings because they feel safe with each other). She shared that she would like to become a mentor with us in the future and feels she can do well since she can fully relate to the students.From our 2022 graduates...
From our graduates in 2019...
- One four year student expressed that without OTP (Oak Tree Project) he wouldn't be where he is today (he graduated near the top of his class and is now working in a research center). He also expressed that he would like to become a mentor with us in the future.
- Another four year student expressed that OTP was an answer to her prayers because she had a lot of fear of lack of money and also of being alone after graduating from high school. College wasn't easy for her but she was thankful that Oak Tree Project was a consistent source of love for her.
- Another student who was with us for her last two years of college expressed that through OTP she could feel God taking care of her relationally and financially. She loved the one on one meetings with her mentor and the close attention that she received. She shared her past two years were unforgettable and a big gift from God. She expressed she strongly desires to become a mentor with us in the near future.
- Another four year student expressed that OTP was unique to him because during our large gatherings we would have such a fun time despite never serving alcohol (Korea is #1 in the world in consumption of hard liquor and drinking alcohol is a part of almost every club/school gathering). He expressed that he appreciates and respects the staff a lot and has wondered over the years what motivates us to go to such extents for the students. This student isn't a believer but he expressed that if it really is God working in us that he wonders if God could do the same in him. He shared that he enjoyed OTP a lot.
- The other three students each expressed their appreciation for OTP and felt that the rules OTP enforces were all reasonable and not as stringent as some of the other programs they had been a part of. They all expressed a desire to connect more with the other OTP students and shared that our large gatherings were very comfortable because the mentors were so loving and the students could put their guard down knowing that everyone there was orphans and they wouldn't be judged for their background.
- Two of our graduates had applied for the program but had been cut due to being late for the interview and interviewing poorly. They both studied and worked through their first year and then applied to our program again, this time showing up on time and having a much better attitude. Both were accepted and they did well with us. Neither were upset they weren't accepted the first time but instead learned from their mistakes and were even more grateful than some of our other students since they had experienced a year on their own without OTP.
From our graduates in 2018...
- Many of the students shared (in written reflections) that they felt safe with their mentor and with Oak Tree Project to be vulnerable and open up and still be accepted and loved.
- Some of the students shared that they feel the closest to their mentors than anyone else. For some of them the first person they want to contact is their mentor, before friends or even siblings.
- One of our students shared that she almost quit school because it was so difficult but thanks to the program and her mentor she was able to learn how to pray, endure, and finish well.
- Another student shared if she hadn’t been on our project she would have likely gone far away from God and gotten with the wrong people. Through Oak Tree Project she has been able to learn about and experience God’s love.
- One student shared that when she visits her children’s home where she grew up she feels like an orphan. But when she attends Oak Tree Project gatherings she feels like family.
- A number of the students expressed how they’ve grown with God through Oak Tree Project or shared their interest in learning more about the Gospel, about how to forgive, and other important spiritual topics. This shows that a hunger is growing in a lot of our students.