For many immigrants, language can be a barrier to independence, connection, and confidence in a new country. Recognizing this challenge, Jacey Jiang ’25 and Sophia Lichterfeld ’24 took action in 2021, founding AnJia Virtual English School, a free, online English language program for elderly Chinese immigrants. What began as a weekend initiative during Jacey’s freshman year has grown into a thriving online—and occasionally offline—community, offering structured language support and cultural immersion to many who might otherwise find themselves without the necessary language skills to undertake regular activities like grocery shopping, riding the T, or enjoying casual conversations with neighbors.

Jacey is no stranger to having to learn new languages. In her 18 years, she has lived in the United States, China, and Germany, and fluently speaks English, Mandarin, and German. She understands firsthand the difficulties of adapting to a new language and culture, and how key successfully learning a language is to developing a sense of belonging. She credits her mother, who regularly volunteers within her community, with setting the example that inspires her to engage in this important work.

Jacey’s curricular inspiration stemmed from helping her younger brother navigate the same challenges learning English when their family returned from Beijing, and from witnessing elderly members of her community struggle with daily tasks due to language barriers. She continues, “I saw how much more freedom and confidence comes with language proficiency. I wanted to help make that possible for others.”

Named for the first Chinese characters of their names—Sophia is “An” and Jacey is “Jia”—the program started simply: hour-long Zoom sessions on Sundays where participants practiced practical English conversations. Word spread quickly, and soon, what had started as a local initiative in Boston expanded to three weekly sessions with more than 150 students from across the country. Volunteer teachers—many of them Winsor students—joined to support the effort.

Jacey continually refines the curriculum she and Sophia first developed, and in order to accommodate students of varying proficiency levels, AnJia offers beginner and advanced classes that follow a structured sequence of 35 units. Today, the program offers not only language instruction but also lessons on U.S. history, naturalization, and local culture, helping AnJia students navigate their new environment with greater confidence, and building community and friendships along the way. All course materials—including full recordings of standout sessions and PDF versions of all course slideshows—are freely available to participants, helping make self-study an option as well. Courses run throughout the year, and summers provide an opportunity for students to review prior lessons to brush up on their skills.

Beyond the lessons, the program has fostered a strong sense of community among the students. Many who previously had little social support outside their families have formed friendships through the program, and some even organize local meetups for events like Chinese New Year, or share photos and messages in their group chat. “It’s really special to see them connect,” Jacey says. “This isn’t just about language—it’s about creating a support system.” Many of the original slate of students still participate in the classes, despite having developed the language skills they need to successfully navigate their day-to-day interactions in English.

The tangible effects of the program are evident. Recalling a conversation with a family friend, Jacey noted the frustration the woman had felt when trying to shop for the foods she enjoys cooking, and not being able to find them or even know how to ask for assistance. Jacey shares, “She was telling me about how it’s now so much easier for her to navigate around the store. Now she’s able to ask for help. At the cashier, when they ask her questions, she’s able to respond.” Jacey acknowledges that she, too, has benefitted from the program. “Teaching in my own language has not only vastly improved my Mandarin skills, but also connected me in new ways to the Chinese community. I feel like our time together has just made everyone that much closer.”

Jacey’s volunteerism doesn’t stop at AnJia. She volunteers with the Greater Boston Food Bank with the Winsor Food Bank Club, is a peer tutor at Winsor, and works closely with a local second grader with whom she was partnered as part of Boston Community Pediatrics’ wellness program. Balancing her rigorous academic schedule, multiple tutoring commitments, and leadership responsibilities, Jacey has cultivated skills in organization, patience, and leadership. Though her future plans lean toward law and STEM fields, she remains committed to community service. “Whatever I do, I want it to have a meaningful impact on people’s lives,” she says.

With a website, word-of-mouth referrals, and outreach through her school and family network, Jacey continually seeks to expand AnJia’s reach. She hopes to see more students join, emphasizing that language learning should be accessible to all. “I want this to be something that people feel comfortable joining—no barriers, no stigma, just a resource for learning.” As AnJia continues to grow, its impact extends far beyond language proficiency, fostering confidence, independence, and a sense of belonging for immigrants navigating life in a new country. Thanks to Jacey’s vision and dedication, countless individuals are finding their voices—one lesson at a time.