Hi, everyone, I’m Chen, Yen-Jung (陳彥蓉) from Taiwan, and you can also call me Ketmia.

Today, I stand here to explore a question: what is home? When we leave our familiar hometown and step onto a foreign land alone, full of fear and uncertainty, who can give us a warm hug?

For countless international students, Network of Nation is that safe place—a harbor. It’s not just the name of an organization; it’s our real home in the U.S. This is not an empty word. It’s the true feeling from my heart, and from the hearts of many international students like me.

I still remember, before May last year, I was so stressed about my English scores. I needed to meet the requirement for NIU. For two years, I took so many tests. I spent all my money, and worse, I lost my confidence. When I finally passed, I felt even more scared—my English was so bad, how could I survive in the U.S.? I had no idea even how to get from the airport to NIU. I worried about my safety as a girl carrying big bags. Just when I almost gave up, I saw the name "Network of Nation" in a school email—they offered airport pickup for just a small gas fee. At that moment, I saw hope.

Celia found me when I was lost at the airport. She gave me my first hug in the U.S. and talked with me warmly all the way, showing me around the campus area. Finally, I reached my place safely and could breathe again. At the new student orientation, I saw the Network of Nation booth. But I was too shy and scared, so I just took a gift and left quickly. Back then, I never thought I would have such a deep connection with this group. Later, when I needed to get my Social Security card, Joel from Network of Nation drove me to a faraway office. A trip that could cost over a hundred dollars became just 10 dollars. I thought to myself, God is so kind to me, letting me meet such an amazing group here.

After that, I joined the Chicago trips, Friday dinners, Tuesday English conversation, and fall hikes. I changed from a girl who was nervous even to knock on a door into someone who loves to hang out at the head quarters of NoN, chatting and eating snacks. I made my best friends here. We complained about school stress, sang loudly, and ate bags of chips together. Every holiday—Thanksgiving turkey, Christmas service, Valentine’s day dinner, pool parties, and even summer water balloon fights— became so special because of Network of Nation.

I still remember the surprise of tasting Thanksgiving turkey for the first time and the laughter when we got hit by water balloons in summer. We are no longer lonely strangers in a foreign land. We are happy kids with our own fortress. Here, we let go of our fears and worries. We feel a safety and warmth we never felt before. At this moment, I finally understand: home is not just about family by blood; it’s about the heart’s connection.

Life in a foreign country is full of challenges. Sometimes, even I can’t understand my own English. But I never feel alone. Because every volunteer and every international friend at Network of Nation can somehow understand my heart. The word "thank you" sounds simple, but it carries so much feeling. Today, I stand here, on behalf of all the international students helped by Network of Nation, to say the most sincere thank you to this warm home. Thank you for giving us a sense of belonging in a foreign land. Thank you for always sharing warmth, letting us feel the power of home.

Thank you, my warmest home in the U.S.－ Network of Nation!

Katmia spoke at the fundraiser dinner in August of 2025. We are blessed to have her as part of our community and family of Non.