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Verena Chu: Young philanthropist at heart

By Hacel D. Du

To realize that you have the ability to change someone's life is great. Acting upon that realization and really doing what you can to the best of your abilities to transform lives is amazing. Not each of us is given the gift of compassion and strength to commit ourselves to be of service to people who are in dire need of attention, support and assistance. A kind of dedication that does not comfort the suffering human being to wait for a miracle to happen but rather creating that miracle to change them for a better life.

At 17, with sufficient money to spend, Verena Chu is more likely to splurge for high-end clothes, accessories, and latest models of technology from posh brands famously known around the world. After all, she is a kin of a Hong Kong based successful Chinese titan stockbroker who generates as much profit as some of the elitist considered to belong in the high strata of society. Being accustomed to the lavish lifestyle she grew up in, she still humbly admits that they are not entirely rich. "I have seen people who deserves to be called really wealthy. I have friends who own private jets and yachts," she reveals.

On the day I was scheduled to meet Verena, I was taken aback. Surprised and amazed at the same time, I was told that the person I was scheduled to meet was young, but my visual anticipation failed me when she appeared to be teenager young. And who wouldn't? Teens, bequeathed with a 5'8 height and exotic Asian look, naturally would aspire to be a model, celebrity, or be part of the glamorous world but Verena prefers to follow the footsteps of Princess Diana and Mother Theresa, both of which are universal humanitarian icons. With her parents often in different places, she was born in Australia and since has reached the Caribbean, Japan, US, Greece, Korea, and China which her parents are originally from but now calls Hong Kong home. They usually go on vacation to sight see on a cruise ship, submerge on a different lifestyle and culture and whisk away wandering in a strange city with her family. But her visit here in the Philippines is for a noble cause. Just like in any other country which she saw the need to help and provide, the Philippines is only one among the many impoverished states where she saw first hand the scarcity and lack of provision for the needs of the destitute children scattered everywhere around the street to scour for a penny or two.

Her first trip was with her family in 1998 when she was ten years old. They decided to go on a holiday in the Philippines through her Filipina nanny, Marivic Fancubilia, who has been with them for more than 17 years. She said that it was her who constantly instilled in her mind how fortunate she is to have the luxury of a home and the liberty to acquire whatever she wants. Having seen why, she started to learn the value of what she has and gradually developed a compassion for giving and helping those who are in dire need of shelter, food and clothing. So instead of doling out in massive self-indulgence she began touring alone in China and for the second time in the Philippines last year, particularly in Iloilo, to impart her good fortune to homeless children in the orphanage. Now on her third visit, she stayed in the city for a week and again do charity work for orphans and elders in Asilo de Molo and children in Oton, the hometown of her nanny. "I admire this kid a lot. She's very different compared to her older sister. Although they have a lot of money she remains very simple and kind. She's always seeking out an opportunity to help other people," says Marivic, who not only takes care of Verena but has also grown to be her ally and friend. She affectionately calls Verena "Muy-Muy", and sometimes converses with her in Chinese.

Asked if she wants to be a politician in the future, she replied no. "People can have their own way of helping in more ways than just having a spot in the government. I just consider myself lucky to have what I have and I am happy to share it to those who need it," Verena says.

She surely is nothing out of the ordinary. You will become aware the moment she talks that she is not an average teenager who's interest merely revolves in partying, shopping, or ogling teenage boys her age. Being exposed to the American culture, she reveals that she neither drinks nor smokes. And not thinking of engaging in a relationship at the moment or anytime soon. "I see my friends doing it, even drugs, but they are not the kind who will insist or reject you if you don't. I am fully aware of its effect on one's health. I want to be responsible enough by not letting it happen to me."

She currently is a senior high in Cate, a private boarding school in Carpenteria, California. Upon discovering that the school does not support any organizations for charity, she started to adopt and became the school's founder of Operation Smile. It is an organization branched out in several countries worldwide, mostly comprised of students, doctors, nurses, health aids and volunteers who are dedicated to help indigent children and young adults with facial deformities have a better life. It can be noted that Operation Smile first launched its mission in the Philippines. "Through this organization we offer our medical assistance among the world's neediest children with disabilities such as those who have cleft palates, cleft lips, burns and tumors and let them undergo a re-constructive surgery so they can become normal." She once also lend a hand to a heroine addict single mother and helped her reform for the sake of her children. To raise funds, she used her expertise in calligraphy and puts it up for sale. Now she gains aid and support from teachers, parents and fellow students who believes in her cause.

When she goes back to the States, tentatively next month before class starts, she already plans on arranging her college applications. Verena's first choice is Stanford University, where she intends to take a medical degree as a doctor. She says it would be easier to help people and continue to do what she does best -- doing humanitarian works.

Being one of the younger generations of new crop of philanthropists, she still manages to have a balance life outside charity. She has an imminent built of a natural athlete exposed to sports like lacrosse, swimming, volleyball and being an A-list water polo player. She also reveals to be fond of dancing and listens to various genres of music like R n' B, hip-hop, and country music. Her charm is infectious and admirably has a mind of an adult. She answers to questions straight-faced not entirely because she wants you to take her every word seriously but she is evidently passionate of her aspirations and life-long goals and those dreams are not exclusive for herself alone.

From her words, she says, her fulfillment from helping is incomparable to the joys other people feel when they are given a chance to smile and be grateful for their lives. Apart from the enriching experience she reaps, she also gives back her gratitude to her parents for their unfailing support and trust in whatever it is that she does.

Not many of our young people today looks at the world with the same purpose.

The so called generation X has deeply become too engrossed in excruciating concern over physical appearance, building self-esteem in a negative way, wanting too much attention, thus, getting involved in chronic addictions and destructive health abuses. May Verena's story inspire our young people today. She not only stands to be different, but she is, because she chose to see the world in a bigger picture with people living in it who needs more attention than she does. Her selfless generosity will continue to resonate around the world as she would not stop here. For Verena, it is only a beginning of her mission. She will continue to go on her way to make this world a happier place to live in.