Despite having osteogenesis imperfecta, Chang Chi-ming (張祈茗) graduated with honors yesterday from the department of applied foreign languages at the Taipei Chengshih University of Science and Technology.
Her mother, Chu Hsiu-chin (朱秀琴), received an honorary degree from the school for having stayed by Chang’s side for the past four years.
Chang, who has to use a wheelchair, has devoted herself to her studies and gained first place in her class every year, her professors said, adding that she has a very optimistic approach toward life.
Photo: Lo Pei-der, Taipei Times
Her classmates said they were inspired by her confidence and often asked her about homework problems.
Chang studied out of her own interest and not due to pressure to get into college, Chu said, adding that she wanted to thank all the teachers at the university for their care.
At the graduation ceremony yesterday, former vice president Vincent Siew (蕭萬長) awarded Chang the Ethics and Logic Award and congratulated Chu on receiving the honorary degree.
The Ethics and Logic Award is based on the “five ways of life,” most of which were incorporated in the Confucian model of raising children or educating people to be morally upright, logical thinkers, strong of body, as well having a positive social attitude and an understanding of aesthetics.
Chang said she was sad to part from everyone at the school, adding that she only regretted that she was unable to attend any of the extracurricular activities off campus due to her health problems.
Chang said she plans to save enough money to go to Japan, first to learn the language, then to pursue her dream of getting a job as a voice actor.
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