Mr. Ryan Dekoekkoek was the head of Timothy's International Program when Yanni attended Timothy. The following is an excerpt from his presentation at the Alumni Award ceremony on Saturday, May 7. 

Yanni enrolled at Timothy her sophomore year. Before transferring to Timothy, Yanni came to the United States as an International Student from China and spent her freshman year in California. As soon as she arrived at Timothy, it was quite evident that Yanni was going to be a hard worker, very focused, and ready to get involved in anything she could. Whether it was playing the piano for orchestra, joining the cast for a musical, or playing tennis, Yanni wanted to be involved.

She excelled in academics — taking every AP class offered by Timothy except for AP Spanish — and was also part of several committees. Through her natural caring spirit, exuberant personality and infectious smile, Yanni brought joy, and continues to bring joy, to everyone she meets. It is quite evident that the Lord radiates from her heart.

After graduating from Timothy, Yanni enrolled at Johns Hopkins University with the hopes of entering the medical field, specifically Neuroscience. Yanni graduated from college in 2021 in three years (yes, three years!) with a degree in Neuroscience and a minor in German. 

However, after graduation, Yanni felt the Lord leading her in a different direction. “Although [the pandemic] affected half of my college career, now looking back, I thank the Lord for that time,” Yanni said. “For the first time in many years, I was able to stop, reflect on myself and the world around me, and to really get close to God. Mark 8:36 says: ‘What profit is there for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?’ I realized that my priority was not to obtain prestige or riches, but rather to make it right with God and establish a personal relationship with Him.” 

So Yanni made the decision to move into the philanthropy world, where she is currently working for a company who consults nonprofit organizations on fundraising.

Yanni has been in her position for eight months and is based out of Denver. She is temporarily living in Los Angeles, California, for her current project. Her work is a very niche field, but she personally finds it very exhilarating. She helps nonprofit organizations prepare and raise money for a specific campaign with an ambitious goal. They have a variety of clients, including religious, healthcare, social services, arts, and education. She enjoys her daily work of guiding her clients to make a true impact in their communities and beyond.

When Yanni looks back at her decision to leave the medical field, she said how her faith in God helped her when she doubted her future about whether the medical field was the right path for her. She turned to Isaiah 55:9: "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

It was a privilege and honor to present Yanni the Outstanding Young Alumni award. Whether she was at Timothy, Johns Hopkins, or working with nonprofits, it is clear she is glorifying God with her gifts and talents.