Scholarship Program – story of a student

The Red Maple Leaf from the Other Side of the Ocean

Xiao Wang
Scholarship recipient
(Xiao Wang comes from a peasant family. His family has a very small plot of land and his parents were unable to support both him and his brother to go to school. Xiao and his mother are both physically weak, and his father’s income could barely support the family’s basic needs. Xiao’s mother was unable to get immediate medical help when he was in high school due to  financial constraints.)

I came from a peasant family in a small mountain village near Xichang, Sichuan Province. In the fall of 2008 during my high school studies at Chuanxing Secondary School, I received a special present from the other side of the ocean, the New Hope Foundation scholarship offered by Fu Hui Education Foundation. I still remember the afternoon when the Fu Hui aunts and uncles who came all the way from Canada, to present to us the scholarships and to share with us the touching stories of Fu Hui.

I started writing monthly English emails to Fu Hui’s aunts and uncles after sending out my first letter during my first microcomputer class, and they would reply to me promptly and would patiently correct my English, advising me in how to express myself better. Their kind instructions helped me improve my English skills tremendously. And they would always share with me their thoughts in life, comfort and encourage me whenever I needed. 

I learned later that Auntie Ada was the one who wrote to me a lot despite her busy work schedule. There was a time when I was lost,  anxious and worried about my university entrance exam and was uncertain about my future. At such a trying time, Auntie Ada shared with me how her two  sons chose their professions and how I could calm myself down by doing  outdoor sports and breathing exercises.

When I was diligently preparing for my exam, I received the scholarship from Fu Hui, and the most special gift was a red maple leaf which symbolized the blessings and expectations of Fu Hui’s aunts and uncles.

I was accepted by Chongqing Medical University with a specialty in pediatrics after getting distinguished results in my exams. Fu Hui’s aunts and uncles have repeatedly written to me to offer me continuous support for my studies, but I would like to pass on the opportunity to other students who are more in need of help, considering that I would be able to apply for student loans and look for work to support myself. 

I have now finished my bachelor’s degree and am proceeding to graduate studies. I hope to become a pediatrician in infectious digestive diseases so that I can better help those who are in need and to spread the love that I’ve been given. 

I would like to express my gratitude to Fu Hui’s aunts and uncles for their unwavering support. I wish that I would be able to become one of you, and together we can help all those in need.

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