Lang Family

Finding a Voice

“What an amazing experience,” says 18-year-old Tea Lang. “I wanted to gain leadership experience and be a better communicator...and Honeycomb helped me find my voice.” 

Tea is talking about Honeycomb’s Summer Swarm initiative, supporting UCAN’s mission of building strong youth and families through compassionate healing, education and empowerment. Tea and her mom, Yea, led this year’s Honeycomb Summer Swarm.   

This mother-daughter duo’s goal was to get as many supplies as possible for college students in need. “My mom and I both chaired this donation drive with the support of the Honeycomb team,” continues Tea.  “We gathered the committee on Zoom calls and helped lead the group by setting objectives for the drive and delegating duties. We helped to keep the members on track.” 

It was a rewarding scene in August, as more than 200 college bound students came to North Lawndale to collect dorm and college supplies such as pillows, bedsheets and backpacks. 

“We are thankful for this opportunity,” adds mom Yea.  “I wouldn’t normally see Tea’s leadership skills in action. But I can see her in a different lens and watch her coach others. Honeycomb not only supports other organizations, but they instill a desire to teach youth about leadership.” 

Tea says, “I was really timid, but Honeycomb helped me find the courage to start conversations and branch out...I am a better organizer and leader because of volunteering.  And I’m also able to see things in the city that I wouldn’t normally see---it’s eye opening.” 

Outside of volunteering with Honeycomb Project, the Lang family keep busy with their dogs Roxy and Jesse at their home in Arlington Heights. Yea is a health and welfare domain consultant at Alight Solutions and Michael is delivery group manager at Alight Solutions. Tea is a senior at John Hersey High School and is active in her school water polo and swim teams, while also working at Café Zupas. Her brother Tyler, (age 14) enjoys volleyball. The Lang family loves watching movies together at home and traveling to Florida.