academic achievement, academic awards, chinese culture in america, cross-cultural experiences, cultural adaptation, diversity in education, educational leadership, faculty stories, immigrant educators, immigrant success, inspirational stories, language and identity, language barriers, life as a professor, motivation and growth, overcoming challenges, professional development, teaching excellence, university teaching

An Immigrant Professor’s Tale of Success in an American University

An immigrant professor exemplifies an indomitable spirit by facing challenges with resilience and determination. Despite students’ initial skepticism, his persistent efforts transformed challenges into victories, earning him deep admiration and respect. Recipient of the Excellent Teaching Award As another academic year drew to a close, I excitedly returned home to share my professional achievements with ...

Mikel Davis

Exterior of the Edward L. Doheny Jr. Memorial Library on the campus of the University of Southern California (USC) in downtown Los Angeles, California, USA.

Human Nature Is Good, Sometimes Kindness Just Needs a Spark to Ignite it

In an age where stories of negativity and conflict often dominate the headlines, it’s the quiet, potent acts of kindness that weave the underlying fabric of our society together. These acts of kindness, often unnoticed by the masses, hold the power to transform lives in unexpected and profound ways. The narratives that follow, set against ...

Emma Lu

Woman in a field with arms outstretched, surrounded by butterflies.

Fate and Fortune: Fang Guancheng’s Guardian Angels

In the tumultuous times of the Qing Dynasty, a man named Fang Guancheng (1696-1768) from Tongcheng experienced a life filled with both fortuitous encounters and narrow escapes from peril. His early years were marked by adversity when his father was forcibly conscripted into the army due to involvement with a distinguished author whose works sparked ...

Mikel Davis

Illustration of an ancient pathway, a serene landscape, and the guiding presence of guardian figures to accompany a traveler in ancient Chinese clothing.

Promissory Note of Compassion: How a Teacher’s Kindness Rewrote Two Lives

My mother was a high school teacher, known for her stern lectures in class or her serious demeanor when imparting wisdom. Not only were her students intimidated by her, even the parents feared her as well. It was 15 years ago. Just before the Lunar New Year, due to financial difficulties at home, my mother ...

Max Lu

Wooden blocks with the words 'promissory note.'

Tsai Yide: Defying Limits as Taiwan’s Duck King and a Passionate Musician

Tsai Yide’s life story is a remarkable example of overcoming significant challenges through sheer determination and passion. Known widely as the “Disabled Singer,” Tsai Yide’s journey from a childhood afflicted with polio to becoming the “Duck King of Taiwan” showcases his incredible resilience. Despite being left with just one fully functional limb, he not only ...

Mikel Davis

Tsai Yide.

The Enduring Lessons from a Japanese Entrepreneur’s Childhood: The Story of Six Meat Patties

In the intricate tapestry of parenting, the synergy between school education and family upbringing forms a crucial axis. This balance profoundly shapes a child’s future. The childhood story of Kiyojiro Menkura, a celebrated Japanese entrepreneur, about six meat patties is a poignant illustration of this dynamic. His formative years, set against the challenging backdrop of ...

Max Lu

Post-war Japan.

The Power of Kindness: From a 10 Yuan Favor to a Millionaire’s Gratitude

In 2013, a phone call in a noodle shop in Zhejiang, China, triggered a remarkable story that unfolded over two decades. The tale involved a woman’s kindness and a man’s relentless quest to express his gratitude. This story is a testament to the transformative power of compassion and gratitude, and it’s sure to inspire those ...

Max Lu

The impact of kindness.

Wisdom Wrapped in Humor: Inspiring Tales From Icons of History

Throughout history, humor has been an indomitable tool in the arsenal of leaders, thinkers, and innovators. It serves not just as a source of amusement, but as a bridge between contrasting ideas, a salve for wounds both personal and societal, and a testament to the enduring human spirit. The anecdotes that follow demonstrate the diverse ...

Mikel Davis

Frozen rose on clear ice.

How a Poor Young Man Became an Entrepreneur

Many people dream of starting their own business and becoming successful entrepreneurs. But they feel heavy-hearted believing that they will never make it without any financial privilege or joint venture (JV) funding.  But the following story may prove this belief wrong as it shows the successful journey of a young man who started up a ...

Hermann Rohr

Multi-story buildings and a radio tower with trees and light poles in the forground and mountains in the background of Mohe County, Heilongjiang Province, China.