2003 Public Service Award 

Name and school: Ming-chuan Hwang (黃酩淳), 2002 graduate of Ming-Dao High School

My dream: To continue in the public service field, and become well-rounded and learned in all arenas.

My idol: Every one of my teachers! My teachers have had a great influence on the way I think, helping me to make the best decisions.

Person who has influenced me the most, and why: All of the people around the world who are dedicated to public service because they inspire me to follow in their footsteps. On September 21, 1999, during Taiwan’s devastating earthquake, seeing the care demonstrated by Tzi-Chi — a Buddhist public interest group — as they helped the community recover confirmed my dedication to public service.

Encouragement for the rest of Taiwan’s daughters: We might play different roles, but we share a common goal: to help this world become a more wonderful place.

Reflections of a Champion: I must thank the judges for giving me this chance; I was so happy to be interviewed, and then chosen. I believe everyone here is top notch. Whether chosen or not, we are all Taiwan’s new daughters.

I want to thank the Garden of Hope and my school’s principals, deputies, and supervisors, sister Mei-yen (美燕), and all of the teachers and friends and elders who have cheered me on for these past three years. I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to compete in this contest if it wasn’t for you.

There are many great people in society today. Thus, even though I won this special honor, I must remain humble. I feel that I represent all of Taiwan’s girls. I did not achieve this alone, and I am not accepting this award for myself, but for all of Taiwan’s daughters, in every corner of society. There are many daughters who are working to improve society, and I stand here for each of them.

While I was talking to the judges during my interview, many images and emotions swept through my mind. This has been a very unique experience. Looking back over all that has transpired, I realize that I have learned much from my experiences. Words cannot express the emotions that accompany these memories. Only in doing your own public service will you truly understand these inexpressible emotions, these unspeakable joys. I continually remind myself that I am glad to bare the burden of public service. I believe this world will become a better place because there are people with hearts who are willing to reform others. During my high school days, I learned many things, and I think I had a different experience from my peers because I was involved in public service. My life seemed busier than others’ because I had both school and community service, but I did not mind, because this gave my life more meaning. It was tiring, but it was worth it.  

Finding your direction in life is very important, and I hope that gaining this special honor will have a positive influence on my future. Once I have my own blueprint for life, I will keep working hard and pressing toward the future, never forgetting where I stand, and constantly reminding myself where my life is heading. I don’t want to stumble and forget what it is that I really want. 

Now, I am in college, trying to determine my career goals. I hope to figure out what I really want in college, and have already moved into a different field of service: I want to help build a better community for senior citizens.

Judges’ comments:  Ming-chuan was very committed to her conviction to help others. She had a spirit of compassion and enthusiastic philanthropy toward people and society, and never gave up. Most moving of all was how very set Ming-chuan was in her goals for future public service.