Fund 1000 Scholarships in Rural China for a Year

At SOAR, we are thrilled to share the inspiring journey of every young talent we support, recognizing that each success story not only transforms their lives but also has the potential to uplift countless other rural students. Your generosity holds incredible power to magnify these opportunities and ignite the dreams of promising talents. In this report, we bring to you a touching story shared by a past recipient of the SOAR Scholarship, Zhaozhao, who was born in rural Xinjiang and now lands in her favorite job as a teacher of calligraphy in Xi’an, China. From her story, we feel super rewarded that the scholarship has played a significant role in helping her achieve her goals and realizing her dreams.

Here is the direct translation of her letter, titled "My journal with SOAR". 

My story is long and needs to be told slowly.

My connection with SOAR can be traced back to 2016. I was about to graduate from middle school, studying in Xinjiang with my parents. Our family lived on the temporary jobs my father took, and we were already feeling the pressure of high school tuition fees. Fortunately, an elderly lady named Yang appreciated my calligraphy work and learned about my academic performance and life situation from my teachers. Because of my excellent performance, she applied for SOAR’s aid on my behalf, helping me continue my education. I am deeply grateful. She encouraged me to focus on my studies and use knowledge to change my destiny.

In the summer of 2019, at my high school, I clearly remember standing alone on a small balcony at the beginning of the corridor on the second floor of the teaching building, near the back door of my classroom. I often gazed at the flowers and plants near the distant fence, lost in thought, or watched my classmates cleaning the school, their movements seemingly in slow motion. The sunlight bathed our white school uniforms, and my classmates, with bright smiles on their faces, would walk and chat happily, creating beautiful memories.

However, these were the happy moments after I chose liberal arts in my second year of high school. Upon entering high school, I also experienced some dark times. Due to my physical development, my underarm sweat glands were overactive. Combined with daily physical activities, I often emitted an unpleasant odor whenever I was nervous or engaged in intense exercise. That year, I lived cautiously, dreading group activities, fearing the topic of “smell” while queuing, and avoiding the strange looks from others during breaks. I was even afraid of my roommates talking about my “dirtiness” when they thought I was asleep. Sometimes, they would say things directly to my face. It wasn’t that I didn’t care about hygiene; it was just that each shower cost 5 yuan, and I couldn’t afford to shower daily. In middle school, I was a well-liked and respected class monitor with excellent handwriting. The stark contrast in high school made me sensitive and self-conscious, constantly worrying about others’ opinions, which affected my ability to concentrate on studies like math, physics, and chemistry.

I don’t know how I emerged from that darkness, but after choosing the liberal arts, I changed classes and dormitories, feeling like I had a fresh start. To avoid group exercises, I volunteered to help teachers with tasks. To avoid smelling unpleasant, I would rush back to the dormitory to change clothes and freshen up after the last class and then return for evening self-study. To keep my “secret” safe, I often did everything alone. I envied those with close friends who went everywhere hand in hand. Unlike them, I still hesitate to get close to others and instinctively distance myself when someone approaches me.

The college entrance exam doesn’t hold much tension in my memory. Perhaps the routine days made it pass naturally. When the first test paper was placed in front of me, I felt confident, as if it was just another day, and wasn’t very nervous, like a “robot” programmed to take the exam.

Before the high school graduation ceremony, I rented a dress with my roommate for 50 yuan each to attend our coming-of-age ceremony. I don’t remember the color, but I recall feeling very uncomfortable in it, feeling a “beautiful shame” when others looked at me. That day was filled with ceremonies, photo-taking, and packing up in the dormitory. In the rush, I accidentally returned the graduation commemorative badge along with the dress to the rental shop. Knowing this later, I decided not to retrieve it. Carrying thick volunteer application books and heavy luggage, I headed home. At that time, I didn’t have many emotions, just felt that everything ended quickly, like a dream.

As expected, I was admitted to a second-tier university far away in Northeast China. From the map, Jilin didn’t seem far, but after boarding the train with several transfers, I truly felt the lengthy journey of over 60 hours in a hard seat. Luckily, I had arranged to meet a fellow student from the same school. After a two-day and one-night journey, we reached the school gate where the welcoming activities had long ended. Knowing we had come from afar, the dean and counselor personally welcomed us, explaining the basics of the school. I vividly remember the dean, in an accent I could barely understand, expressing his surprise and appreciation for our effort.

Stepping onto the university campus, I saw the library, various architectural styles of teaching buildings, bustling crowds, birch groves along the grass, and numerous shops and services like supermarkets, print shops, and beauty salons. I felt happy and excited but pretended to be calm as I pulled my suitcase through the “busiest” street to find my dormitory, starting my university life.

Like all other students, I rushed to early morning classes every day, but unlike others, I often walked alone. During my spare time, I rekindled my passion for calligraphy, which I hadn’t practiced much due to the high school academic pressure. On weekends, I practiced calligraphy, and I chose calligraphy-related elective courses to learn more about the art. I frequently participated in school activities and competitions, gaining recognition and appreciation from teachers and students. During the 2019 New Year’s Eve party, I wrote couplets for each class with the department secretary, sending blessings to my peers, and everyone looked forward to seeing each other again in 2020.

The outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020 didn’t seem to affect me initially until it impacted my life and studies. Although the pandemic appeared to press a pause button, it was a challenging year. Due to prolonged lockdowns, my family, with limited savings, struggled to pay my tuition fees in 2020. This time, I reached out to the SOAR university scholarship donors for help, and in 2021, I received support from Mr. Yang and several other kind individuals, allowing me to continue my studies. This connection lasted another three years.

In my third year in 2022, I needed to consider my future and make decisions. Without guidance from my parents or experienced mentors, I followed the mainstream path to prepare for graduate school exams. However, my weak willpower and susceptibility to external influences caused frequent emotional ups and downs during my preparation. Due to the pandemic in Xinjiang, I had to take the exam locally. Throughout the preparation period, my state fluctuated, and I felt fragile. Ultimately, I viewed the exam not as a life-defining test but as a path many had taken, whether I could succeed or not. It felt like an unavoidable journey, and I just had to endure it.

When another fate-deciding test paper was placed before me, I already knew the outcome. This time, I felt like a “participant,” a “cannon fodder,” an “experiencer,” but I completed all the questions. After the inevitable failure, I decided to find a job. With a background in teaching and a special skill in calligraphy, I chose to become a calligraphy teacher. As the extracurricular training industry in Xinjiang was not well-developed, I opted for a better city in the Northwest, naturally choosing Xi’an. Another reason was that the person I was destined to meet was already there. Although my parents initially opposed my decision, hoping I would secure a stable teaching job in Xinjiang, I firmly chose my path, which proved to be the best decision in hindsight.

My first job ended in less than six months due to my inexperience and clumsiness. I was deeply saddened, feeling worthless. However, the first job experience toughened me, and I was well-prepared for the second job, from interviews to the probation period, including paying attention to my attire and manners. To quickly shed my “student” image, I studied others’ work experiences online in the mornings and practiced in the classroom in the afternoons. I also tried to communicate with parents after classes. I enjoyed interacting with children, who shared their toys and stories with me, and I patiently engaged with them. At night, I would reflect on my performance.

Due to societal developments, even children’s activities became highly competitive. Therefore, I hoped to make my students enjoy learning calligraphy. My classes were designed to be interesting and effective, requiring patience and responsibility to help the children improve. True dedication always pays off; I gradually gained high recognition from colleagues, parents, and the children’s love and trust. I truly felt the value of my work when I was needed.

After nearly a year of hard work, I have gradually developed my teaching style and am regarded as a gentle, beautiful, professional, serious, and responsible calligraphy teacher by those around me. I am now capable of taking care of my family and loved ones. One day, I hope to have the ability to help others and continue the love from SOAR.

Reflections of Zhaozhao

Life is a series of tests. I once thought failing the graduate school exam would ruin my future, but it didn’t. The most important thing is to understand what you truly want. People can’t go back and blame themselves for their choices. No matter what path you choose, there will be regrets, and the road not taken often seems better.

Final Notes from SOAR: 

We invite you to join us in supporting SOAR's mission to empower students from rural areas. Your contribution can make a significant difference in their lives, providing them with the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. Together, let's continue to sow the seeds of hope and opportunity, ensuring that every student has the chance to soar to new heights. Join us in empowering the next generation of leaders by supporting SOAR today.