In a world where the heart yearns for true connection, there are places that offer more than just shelter—they provide a sanctuary for the soul. At Arbor Terrace Teaneck, we believe home is not merely a place; it’s a feeling woven with shared laughter, kindness, and a profound sense of belonging.
Here, every resident brings their own unique tapestry of memories and dreams, enriching the fabric of our community. One such remarkable thread is You Sen Hsu, lovingly known as Peter. Since arriving in December 2023 with his devoted wife, Marylyn, Peter has become a cherished part of our family, gracing us with a life story that speaks of enduring love, unyielding perseverance, and a passion that continues to blossom, even now, in this new chapter of their journey.
Peter’s story begins in a small village in China, where he was born and orphaned at a young age. Raised by his step-grandmother, Peter learned resilience and self-reliance early on. At 13, he left the only home he knew and moved to Sri Lanka to live with his father, who had been running a gift shop there since before Peter was born. Despite the many changes and challenges, this transition marked the beginning of an extraordinary path that would eventually lead him halfway across the world.
Peter’s father, determined to give him the best possible opportunities, enrolled him in a Baptist school. This marked the start of Peter’s educational journey, and it was here that he developed a love for learning and began to dream of studying abroad. He excelled in his studies, quickly moving up the ranks and eventually attending a prestigious boarding school in the mountains of Sri Lanka.
Peter’s dedication and hard work paid off when he passed the entrance exam for the Physics program at St. Thomas College in Sri Lanka. However, despite his academic excellence, he was unable to enroll due to language barriers. Undeterred, Peter’s father, through a business connection, secured a scholarship for him at the University of Michigan. With little knowledge of the United States and even less about Michigan, Peter set off on a life-changing journey in January 1960.
Wearing a light summer suit and clutching a cashier’s check for just 100 pounds, Peter landed in New York City, unprepared for the cold winter weather. But with the help of generous strangers, he made his way to Michigan, where his remarkable educational journey continued.
Peter’s time at the University of Michigan was transformative, both personally and academically. His first job, shelving books at the university library for just $1 an hour, quickly gave way to a better-paying position at the Space Research Laboratory. It was during his first year at the university that Peter met Marylyn, a fellow foreign student studying Biology. The two connected instantly, bonding over their shared love of science. A football game on their first date marked the beginning of a lifelong partnership, and they recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary — a true testament to their enduring love and commitment.
Peter excelled in his studies, earning two bachelor’s degrees and a master’s in Math and Electrical Engineering. He went on to complete a PhD, even spending two years in Puerto Rico conducting research on the Arecibo Telescope. His illustrious career led him to Idaho, where he became a Senior Scientist at the Idaho National Laboratory, contributing to groundbreaking research in nuclear engineering and holding several important positions within government agencies.
While Peter’s professional accomplishments are impressive, his personal passions have brought him just as much joy. When he wasn’t traveling for work, he found solace in gardening, particularly in the art of Bonsai. What began as a simple interest, sparked by an article Marylyn shared with him, quickly grew into a lifelong love. Over the years, Peter cultivated an extensive collection of Bonsai trees, once reaching nearly a hundred on his Idaho property. Even now, at Arbor Terrace, he continues to nurture a smaller, carefully curated collection of his beloved Bonsai, sharing his passion and knowledge with fellow residents.
Since moving to Arbor Terrace, Peter and Marylyn have truly found a place they can call home. In a heartfelt letter to our Executive Director, Ms. Katie Pastor, Peter expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome and exceptional care they’ve received:
“Dear Ms. Katie, I want you to know how very special you are in organizing our short Bonsai Presentation here at Arbor Terrace. Particularly when you held the microphone to enable me to address our beautiful senior audience. The fact that our audience was principally seniors awakened in our ancient Chinese tradition of always respect and cherishment for their collective wisdom and knowledge, which only the passage of time can provide. I am especially appreciative for the help from your staff for their effort in anticipating my every need. I also want you to know that Marylyn and I are finding Arbor very much ‘home’ in part because of the very wonderful environment that you and every one of your staff contributed, having a most welcome and peaceful place for our new home.
Sincere Thanks,
Peter Hsu.”
Peter’s story is a powerful example of the unique journeys our residents bring to Arbor Terrace Teaneck. It’s not just about finding a place to live, but about creating a vibrant community where individuals like Peter can continue to pursue their passions and share their rich histories. Independent living at Arbor Terrace offers just that — the freedom for residents to live life on their own terms, with the support and care of a dedicated staff who anticipate their needs and celebrate their achievements.
For Peter, independent living means being able to care for his Bonsai trees, share his love of gardening, and engage with his community. For Marylyn, it’s the comfort of a supportive environment where they both feel welcomed and valued. Together, they have found a true sense of belonging at Arbor Terrace.
We are honored to have Peter and Marylyn as part of our Arbor Terrace family. Their incredible story serves as an inspiration to us all, reminding us that the journey of life is filled with unexpected twists, remarkable achievements, and moments of profound joy.
Ready to experience all the fun, community, and enrichment that living at Arbor Terrace Teaneck has to offer? Check out our upcoming event schedule for a variety of activities, including social gatherings, educational workshops, fitness classes, and special presentations. There’s something for everyone, and we’d love for you to be a part of it!