Jack Yang was nominated by an anonymous member of the community.
When it comes to students’ academic success, educators play such a tremendous role in how it all comes together. Students confide in their teachers and counselors quite often throughout the year for advice and support. Most of the time, parents and students confide in the school counselors in regards to the students’ academic progress and performances. In other words, counselors are the face of the school in which they work.
Mr. Yang always goes above and beyond to ensure that his students receive the support they need to succeed in their endeavors.
"I have personally seen Mr. Yang assist students who are faced with personal and social issues that are affecting their academic performances. He is always willing to listen and do his best to help get his students back on track. He always offers to write letters of recommendation for his students in order to get them into the university of their choice," his nominator said. "He does not give himself credit, but I clearly see that the hard work Mr. Yang puts towards his students’ success really does make a significant difference."
A few of his former students who graduated and went to college came back to see him at Lindhurst High School to thank him for his unconditional support.
Before he was a counselor at Lindhurst High School, he worked in various positions with students from all walks of life. He was a peer educator working with students with disabilities. He worked as an advisor; working with students aspiring to go to a four-year university. Mr. Yang also worked directly with his nominator's brother, who had no motivation to go to college after graduating high school, and encouraged him to keep working hard in school to reach his full potential.
"He spent numerous hours with my brother throughout summer school. My brother suddenly came to life with Mr. Yang’s support. Even my elderly mother saw the difference that Mr. Yang had made in my brother’s academic performance," his nominator said. "There are many students and parents who would be able to vouch for Mr. Yang’s hard work and positive influence on students. I have been very inspired by Mr. Yang’s passion for students and their success. I hope to someday be able to positively impact students the way that Mr. Yang continues to do so effortlessly."
I work alongside Mr. Yang in the counseling department at Lindhurst High School. Mr. Yang and I started as counselors the same school year and have become close friends. He truly has a passion for helping students achieve their goals. From the moment he stepped on to the Lindhurst High campus, he became a welcoming presence for students and a shining example for our staff. Working with him every day and seeing the pride he has in his job motivates me every day to be a better counselor. What is really awesome to watch is how Mr. Yang connects with his students. He has common interests and a similar background to many of our students. He is able to connect with them on a personal level and can sympathize with their daily struggles. He uses his own life experiences to coach his students and lead them into the future. Personally, I have made a strong connection with Mr. Yang as a co-worker and friend. Growing up in the area our school serves, I never know much about the Hmong culture or its roots. Because of Mr. Yang, I have become enlightened about a great tradition and culture that belongs to two of my co-workers and several of our students. Mr. Yang has a personality that grabs the attention of any room he walks into. He's funny, kind, generous and a superb individual. I look forward to working alongside him for years to come.
As a former student from LHS, I met Mr. Yang as a counselor. He came in as a counselor my senior year of high school and for some reason though he was a fairly new person I had never met, the instant I had a talk with him, I connected with him.The moment I started to talk to him, he was very friendly, understanding and all aspects, a very AWESOME person to talk with. Since up to that point, I'll he brutally honest and say that I never had a connection with any other staff member than besides him. I was and still am undocumented and for me that was a very challenging aspect of my life to deal with. I felt that no one could understand. When I did try, I never felt a sense of understand meant and support, from anyone else besides the one Mr. Yang gave me. He listened to me, and tried to understand me. He was there when I really needed him and for that I will forever be greatful to him. He let me realize that being undocumented should not be an excuse to not try and achieve threateness. He made me believe in myself when not even I did. He was an inspiration for me because he opened my eyes and allowed me to see the world in new lens, the lens of endless possibilities as long as I worked hard enough. I call him Mr. out of the great respect that I have towards him because during my senior year, the most crucial year in high school, he was there to give me undeniable support and advice. He helped in the application toward colleges, financial aid, and even when it came to choosing what college I wanted to go to. In all aspect he became more than staff member and more like a friend and mentor. Now I am UClA class of 22' and I attribute that to him because he made me desire more out of life, instead of settling for whatever life gave me. The real thanks though at least in my eyes and as he said it, will he when I graduate from UCLA and be able to tell him how thankful I am for having him in my life. THANK YOU MR. YANG YOU REALLY ARE A SUPER MAN TO ME!!!!
Mr. Yang is clearly wise beyond his years. The way he carries himself so calmly yet so bright. He left a very good first impression on me as a parent at a parent conference where he was an advisor. The staff asked questions and we the parents had to raise our hands to answer them. Most parents were shy and refused to raise their hands. I on the other hand, always raised my hand to answer their questions. My high school son was embarassed of me. After the conference, my son told me I was an embarrassment to him. Mr. Yang overheard from behind us. He told my son in the nicest way, that my son should be proud of his mom for being so involved and knowledgeable; especially a parent who never had a formal education and speaks very little english. He had a little conversation with my son which turned my son's way of thinking around for the better. My son we drove home and he had a different perspective. My son told me, good job for speaking up during the conference. (I knew then, that there must have been a positive influence that triggered him to change his point of view). I am grateful for all that Mr. Yang has done from that day forward for my son. My son looks up to Mr. Yang as a role model and living proof of a good and wise man. I truly believe that someone like Mr. Yang is one of a kind. (Translated and written by Zang's daughter)
I can still remember the days when I was this man's mentor/instructor. Today I can learn a thing or two from Jack.
Jack have done so much for me as an individual and for us as Fresno State Upward Bound students. He was always there for us through the toughest times. Especially after losing our dearest UB friend, Neng Thao.
A valedictorian, who's life was cut short from drowning 1 week before graduation in 2017. I know if Neng could, he would have wanted to share his gratitude towards Jack as well. Neng and us (the UB students) were like family; we looked up to Jack and confided in him for many reasons. Thank you, Jack for all that you have done for us. Your hard work does not go unnoticed. I feel so grateful for you. One of Jack's favorite quote: "believe in the human heart" always keep me going and believing that better things are coming.
One of the most funniest and charming guy I know. Full of life and love, Jack's words would lift any spirit at anytime. He is most deserving and I would love to see him giving the opportunity to put his full potential to work :) Go JACK!
I only know him for a short time but he is a great man and a roll model for my younger brother and he is a great man with big heart.
I first met Jack 5 years as a club advisor. He had been a brother, a friend, and a teacher for me! He taught me to be proud and always be happy of what I do! He deserved to be recognized for his kindness!
Mr. Yang is one of the most compassionate counselors I have seen! He would go to the moon and back for his students. He helped my child (who was short on graduation credits) get back on track for graduation. My child graduated and is going college now. I am forever grateful for Mr. Yang!! #LCOY #Grateful #proudparent #LHS
Mr. Yang has change my life for the better. He was always there for me whenever I was struggling. He definitely went beyond his job description to ensure that I was progressing in my future goals and dreams. He is such a selfless person who does not get enough credit for the amount of work and passion he puts towards our success. He also does not like attention but I truly feel that this is the perfect recognition that he deserves. My academic life would never be the same without Mr. Yang's support and guidance. We need more counselors like Mr. Yang in our education system. Lindhurst is lucky to have him!
