[Thoughts] 2023 Hualien County Pacific Cup National Student Research & Community Action Research Competition

The cover photo shows unprocessed Taiwan jade materials taken during an interview at the Rufeng Jade Workshop on September 7, 2023. The photograph was taken by the author.

“Positive thinking will let you do everything better than negative thinking will, because attitude is contagious.” This quote by American author Zig Ziglar has always reminded me that the way we engage often determines the final outcome. I also hope that my own positive attitude can bring constructive influence to the educational setting.

Taiwan jade is a type of nephrite, primarily produced in the Fengtian area of Hualien County. It is one of Taiwan’s most distinctive mineral resources. Known for its fine texture and varied hues, it is regarded as a representative Taiwanese gemstone and holds significant geological and cultural value due to its rarity and formation conditions.

This student research paper competition was the first major activity I participated in during my internship. After reporting to Shoufeng Junior High School in August, my mentor teacher immediately assigned me the important task of co-guiding the student research project. The theme of our study focused on the developmental history of Taiwan jade, a precious natural asset of the Fengtian region. Beginning in the summer break, our team conducted field investigations and interviews with local elders. I assisted in leading students around the community, taking photographs, organizing written notes, archiving historical materials, and providing suggestions for research design and paper writing. During weekends and after-school hours, I continued training the students in oral presentation, refining their explanations, and conducting mock Q&A sessions to prepare them for the formal evaluation.

While compiling the written materials, I applied my strengths in digital document processing to help the team resolve various formatting and layout issues, ensuring that the research results were presented in a clear and complete manner. During this period, I deeply felt the students’ dedication and growth, and I realized that the influence of education extends far beyond the classroom. Various competitions offer students diverse opportunities to demonstrate their abilities and express their care for the land, culture, and knowledge through action.

In the end, our work received the Silver Award in the Indigenous Culture and Community Care Category, Junior High School Division B. Due to my high level of participation and contribution, the two advising teachers invited me to attend the award ceremony with them. When we went on stage to receive the award, the county magistrate asked whether I was a student. When I replied that I was a student teacher, she showed a look of both surprise and approval. At that moment, I also silently affirmed my own efforts, realizing that every step taken with dedication had contributed to this achievement.

This experience further strengthened my belief that as long as I maintain enthusiasm and a positive attitude, I can continue to create meaningful impact in the educational field.

Photo Dump

See Also

• Students’ research website: Jade with a Story: Exploring the Past and Present of Taiwan Jade and the Fengtian Region。

• Students’ research paper backup: