Sometimes, even the smallest moment can plant the seed of change in our hearts. At ICSO, an international public welfare organization, we have witnessed countless ordinary yet profoundly meaningful stories. Deng Jie, a dedicated member of our team, has exemplified what it means to care and give selflessly through her actions. She not only brought material aid to children in impoverished mountain areas but also ignited hope in their pursuit of dreams. As Hermann Hesse once said, “The finest things in the world are often the small acts of kindness, just as starlight dispels the darkness of night.”
Outstanding Volunteer of ICSO
Personal Profile:
Deng Jie
University of Chicago
Major: English Language and Literature
Department: ICSO·CN (China Division)
Deng Jie’s journey with public welfare did not begin out of impulsive enthusiasm, but rather through an unexpected “challenge.” When she decided to apply to American universities, her parents worried that she might struggle to adapt to life abroad. They believed her privileged upbringing had left her unprepared for hardship. To help her develop adaptability and resilience, and to make more friends, they suggested she join a rural support project organized by ICSO.
Not wanting to disappoint her parents—and hoping to enhance her college application—Deng Jie joined the ICSO·CN’s “A Box of Milk, A Kind Heart” program. She became a volunteer and set off to support a mountain school.
Her first trip took her to a remote “Hope School” deep in the mountains, where transportation was extremely inconvenient. To deliver supplies directly to the children, the volunteers had to carry heavy boxes weighing dozens of kilograms and hike over three hours along rugged mountain paths. The trail was muddy and winding, and the scorching sun beat down on their backs. Deng Jie, wearing sandals in the summer heat, developed blisters on her feet, and the backpack weighed heavily on her shoulders. Yet, seeing her teammates persevere, she never once asked to rest.
“I can help carry that,” a teammate offered, seeing the sweat on her forehead and taking some of the weight from her backpack. But Deng Jie smiled and shook her head: “It’s okay—I’ve got this.” The youngest in the group, she nonetheless became the “ray of sunshine,” always upbeat and cheering others on: “We can do it! Just a little farther!”
The dilapidated classrooms and the children’s innocence made a deep impression on the volunteers. The classroom walls were peeling, and some windows were covered with plastic instead of glass. The dorms were overcrowded, with beds lined only with straw mats. In the kitchen, flies buzzed around a few wilted vegetables. Most heartbreaking of all, these children had to walk two hours to school every day and even further just to fetch water.
When Deng Jie and the other volunteers entered the classroom, the children excitedly surrounded them, eyes wide with curiosity and smiles full of innocence. During the distribution of supplies, Deng Jie noticed a quiet boy—Xiao Ding. He sat in the corner, thin and pale, with only a few worn-out textbooks and a nearly finished pencil. He kept his eyes lowered, seemingly afraid to make eye contact with anyone.
Deng Jie knelt beside him and offered a box of milk. Xiao Ding shyly shook his head. “It’s for you, really. Go ahead and drink it,” she reassured him gently. He hesitantly accepted and took a small sip. Then he looked up and said timidly, “Thank you, sister. So this is what milk tastes like.” His eyes sparkled with gratitude and joy. That simple gesture left a lasting impression on Deng Jie—she realized that even the smallest act of giving could bring tremendous happiness to a child.
Over the next few days, Deng Jie felt more fulfilled than ever. With her teammates, she continued delivering books, clothes, and food to the children. To collect more supplies, the team visited every household in the village to record each child’s needs. By the end of the day, everyone’s clothes were soaked in sweat, yet no one complained.
They painted classroom walls, repaired damaged desks, and even used their dinner time to brainstorm better ways to raise resources. Sometimes Deng Jie would bring up seemingly “naive” questions like, “Can we prepare a personalized notebook for each child?” These innocent thoughts often sparked even more creative ideas during team discussions.
On the day they left the mountains, the children waved the volunteers goodbye, their small figures slowly fading into the distance. The farewell left Deng Jie overwhelmed with emotion. After the mission, she shared her story on social media:
“The children in the mountains taught me that a single pencil or a box of milk can change a life. Every one of us can be the starting point of kindness, lighting up hope for others.”
Deng Jie’s post moved countless netizens, many of whom donated money and supplies. As a result, conditions at the Hope School greatly improved. The students received brand-new desks, books, and nutritional supplements. With the help of many kind-hearted people, Xiao Ding’s home and study environment were also transformed, becoming warmer and more comfortable.
Over the past two years, Deng Jie has participated in more than ten volunteer projects, including “A Class, A Love” and the “Young Eagle Scholarship Program.” Her cumulative volunteer time reached 365 hours, earning her the title of ICSO Three-Star Youth Volunteer and an ICSO Honorary Volunteer Service Certificate. These honors and experiences became a key part of her college application materials—helping her gain admission to the University of Chicago.
Reflecting on her journey, Deng Jie remarked:
“Public service is not just about giving—it’s about heart-to-heart connection. From these children, I learned resilience and gratitude. I also realized that true growth begins with care and responsibility for others.”