At left, eating pizza with a new friend in America.
Elvin Chen drank coffee like water, staying up to 3:00 a.m. every night, as he studied intensively for his national high school entrance exams in Taiwan to get into the best schools.
He did everything he was told, practiced constantly, went to school 14 hours a day. Even on holidays, he gave no time to relaxing but kept poring over his books.
But no matter how hard he tried, he scored low. Like many countries, Taiwan’s national exams are restricting; if you don’t do well, you are eliminated from the better colleges and careers. One slip-up, and you’re sunk.
So much was riding on the test that nerves sunk him.
“I started crying, ‘Why God? It’s unfair,’” he recalled. “I worked really hard, and I didn’t achieve my goal.”
Then Chen’s father spoke to him. “You did a great job, even if you didn’t achieve your goal. Don’t feel bad about this. You already learn the best lesson of your life.”
What was that lesson? That “failure” is the door to success. That hard work is the key to success, regardless of setbacks.
His father opted to send him to America. For the 2014-25 year, Elvin (not his Chinese name) studied at the Lighthouse Christian Academy.
Read the rest of the article about how a Taiwanese high school student came to America.
Mustard Seed Budget 
Cute Article.
Reblogged this on Talmidimblogging.
Looks like he’s really enjoying his stay! 🙂
I think he already went back. But yes, I think he had a good time. We certainly enjoyed his participation in the school.