As NPUST celebrates its 100th Anniversary, it is also celebrating one of its students: Chia-Hui Lin, who was recognized by the Taiwan Presidential Palace and selected to receive the Presidential Education Award. Lin, a fourth-year student in the Department of Food Science, has overcome great adversity and etched out a path for herself in the field of baking—allowing her to shine brightly for her school, while also giving back to her family.
A press conference was held at 10 a.m. on June 18th (2024) at the Department of Hotel and Restaurant Management, during which time some of her awards and works were out on display.
Lin grew up in the rural Shengang District of Taichung with her mother, an immigrant to Taiwan, shouldering the financial burdens of the family. Because of economic difficulties, Lin and her many sisters spent much of their lives struggling for the bare essentials of food and clothing, so Lin never even gave thought to pursuing her own interests. Eventually, she was introduced to baking in junior high school and discovered her passion for it. Lin devoted herself to developing her skills and began to participating competitions. She adopted her mother’s spirit of perseverance and hard-work, and told herself that “only hard work can change your life.” During her time in school, she actively enrolled in various certificate examinations, and obtained 9 professional licenses. She also took part in domestic and foreign competitions including the 53rd National Skills Competition “Western Pastry” Group, where she won a silver medal, and a Korean International Catering Competition for Chocolate BONBON Displays, where she also won a silver medal. “If you work hard, you might not be seen; but if you don’t work hard, you won’t be seen”—this idea has accompanied Lin throughout her growth, and it is the motivator that has brought her to such great lengths.
Department of Food Science Director Chan-Chiung Liu said that due to her family background, Chia-Hui Lin worked very hard to hone her skills since she was in junior high school. Her awards, seen here today, are the results of her hard work—one step at a time. The Presidential Education Award was created to encourage those students who soar high despite their adversity, and Chia-Hui Lin is well-deserving of such an award. She hopes that her own story of determination can become an inspiration for her classmates, and that she can influence other students who are struggling with adversity.
Reflecting on her experience, Chia-Hui Lin said “I will always remember that when I needed help, there were many who gave me a helping hand. I hope that when I have the ability, I can give back to society and everyone who has helped me. Only by letting yourself be a light can you illuminate the people around you”. Lin remembers that her mother once said: “if it weren’t for you kids, I might have returned to my home country long ago”. Yet, because of family ties, her mother gave selflessly, and had a deep impact on her daughter.
In the past, Lin recognized that family finances were more important than her own interests. But, Lin eventually found a passion that she could pursue, and she invested herself in learning the professional skills of baking. Lin was even able to use her skills to give back to the family. She said: “My grandma and my mother both told me that I am their pride. This is the first time I felt like I could really give something to them”. Receiving affirmation from her family made her realize that she needs to work even harder and try to flourish, so that she will be able to help other people.
In 2018 when she began taking part in competitions up until today (2024), Lin has already won an impressive amount of awards, taking a gold medal in the Belgium Tourism and Gastronomy Festival and silver medal at the 53rd Southern District Skills Competition in 2022. In the following year, she took home a silver medal from the Korean International Catering Competition, and a silver from the 53rd National Skills Competition—also qualifying herself for the 47th International Skills Competition. While she was winning these, and other national and international competitions, Lin was also working hard to obtain professional certificates that would help her in her future career—covering everything from Chinese and English language typing and food safety, to cakes, bread, and pastries baking.
Lin expressed her gratitude to NPUST for its support. The guidance of the school’s outstanding teachers and the high-quality equipment and classrooms have helped her fully realize her potential. She is also grateful to the school’s Documentation Division, which gave her the opportunity to work while she studied and alleviate some of her financial pressures. With her humble and down-to-earth attitude, Lin finds joy in learning, and her talent and unremitting spirit has allowed her to become a shining light and inspiration to many.
