Report_2003

De Kai Shi:
I am a child from a peasant family located in a remote mountain region. I experienced difficulties early on in my life, thus I made a wish at an early age to shake off the fate of poverty through education. I decided without hesitation to enroll in high school after graduating from middle school last year.
My hometown is located in a rural area in Hong Chuang Township, Li Ping County, Gui Zhou Province, China. We are isolated from the rest of the world because of the mountains that surround our township. In order to reach the next town, one must walk 60 kilometers through the mountains. Being situated in such a backward, remote area solidified my aspiration to pursue further education. I always encourage myself to study hard, to work with fellow villagers in developing our area, and to build a better future. Therefore, my goal is to enroll in Qing Hua University and matriculate under the department of engineering in order to become an outstanding engineer. (Note: Qing Hua University is the equivalent to Massachusetts Institute of Technology in China) I will exert all my strength to accomplish this arduous task. I’ll fight to the bitter end even if it means it might jeopardize my life.
Unfortunately, not everything goes as smoothly as one wish. Soon after I received an acceptance notification from a good high school, my father passed away. It was a severe blow for my family, who was already having difficulties making ends meet. My mother is a skinny woman from a peasant family. My younger brother was just accepted by a junior high school and needless to say, my younger sister is helpless. At this time I resembled a broken compass, unable to find direction regardless of how hard I tried. If I insisted on going to school, I would be abandoning my family and would not be fulfilling my filial duties. But if I gave up studying in high school, my fate would be to stay in poverty and live forever in this mountain ravine. While I was sorting through this dilemma, my mother firmly told me “You must study. Only education can change the fate of poor people. Don’t worry. I’ll take care of everything in the family.” Looking at my mother’s malnourished body, I did not accept. However, through the expression in my mother’s eyes and encouragement from my siblings, I finally decided with conviction to study away from home.
Aunts and uncles of the Enlightening Education Program, as an unfortunate child from a peasant family, I sincerely hope you will be able to give me a hand when I need it the most. I will repay your generosity by doing exceedingly well in my studies and doing my share for the society.
I hereby submit my application for your support. Thank You.