St. Therese Chinese Catholic School welcomed back 2002 Alumna Yi Wei on Oct. 2 as the culmination of the school's month-long theme on water.

During the month, students learned about water scarcity, raised money in support of a Water advocacy organization, wrote letters to local legislators in support of cleaner water, and even mirrored what some children must do to access clean water by walking to a local park to collect and carry back water.

Yi's visit was a good fit with the month's theme as she is director at iDE focusing on solutions to water and sanitation issues around the globe. She interacted with students and shared her thoughts on student presentations on water accessibility, erosion, and clean water.

St. Therese students were inspired to hear Yi's story, and she shared that her desire to help others stemmed from the call to service she acquired at schools like St. Therese and St. Ignatius. She encouraged students to learn broadly, do their homework, and continue to serve others and give back.

Yi's success academically, musically, and professionally showed the students that even if you start with very humble beginnings like Yi, anything is possible with hard work.

Other events of the day included Feast of St. Therese Mass, a reception with some of Yi's former teacher, and a lunch with Yi and student leaders.

Yi Wei, once known for playing her violin with her grandfather on city streets as a child, is a Harvard alumna who has dedicated her career to serving disadvantaged communities around the globe. Yi has also had a successful music career - and was able to play with the likes of Yo Yo Ma, Bela Fleck and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

For more information, www.sttheresechicago.org