Guo Rong: The Girl Who Topped Her County in English for the National College Entrance Examination (Gaokao)

点击链接阅读中文版：《郭蓉——那个全县高考英语分数第一名的女孩儿》

From a little girl weeping in the wind and rain to a university student poised to become a teacher and give back to her hometown, Guo Rong's life trajectory perfectly embodies the profound impact of the Ford Orphan Education Program. Her journey is a testament to the enduring power of love and hope, a vibrant demonstration of how education can transform lives.

Guo Rong in 2019 when she was in junior middle school and now when she is in the university

Guo Rong, 19, hails from Shizong County, Qujing City, Yunnan Province, and is currently in her second year of university. Last year, Guo Rong achieved outstanding results in the Gaokao (National College Entrance Examination), entering the English Department at Yunnan Normal University and securing the top English score in her entire county.

When Guo Rong was seven, her father passed away unexpectedly, and her mother left home. At an age when children should be enjoying parental care, she and her younger brother were forced to face the pain of losing loved ones far too soon. The family relied on her grandfather's farming income, which barely amounted to 2,000 yuan a year. Thankfully, her grandparents' unwavering affection provided a loving environment for her and her brother to grow up in, making their impoverished lives warm and hopeful.

Guo Rong, second from left in the front row, shortly after joining the program in fourth grade

In her fourth year of primary school, Guo Rong joined the Ford Orphan Education Program. This initiative not only eased the financial burden on her family, allowing her and her brother to continue their studies without worry, but also alleviated her grandparents' concerns about their living expenses. More importantly, through the program, Guo Rong met many peers who, despite facing similar circumstances, remained strong and optimistic.

A "Thank You" letter written by Guo Rong to her sponsor at Ford when she was a primary school student

Ford volunteers regularly visited them in Yunnan, bringing gifts, sharing meals, and playing games with the children, creating cherished memories filled with laughter and joy.

These small acts of kindness made Guo Rong truly feel seen, loved, and cared for, planting the seeds of confidence and courage within her.

After primary school, she was admitted to Shizong No. 1 Middle School, the best in her county, ranking among the top 300 students. It was there she met a teacher who would profoundly influence her life. Her junior high English teacher's humor and gentle guidance not only sparked her deep interest in English but also planted the dream of becoming a teacher in her heart.

When asked about her excellent Gaokao English performance, Guo Rong humbly attributed it to "luck" and "consistent effort." However, her profound interest in English and her solid foundation were undoubtedly the keys to her success. She loved watching English movies and TV shows, immersing herself in the language this way.

Ford Orphan Education Program: Giving Back and Passing the Torch

Today, Guo Rong is a second-year English major at Yunnan Normal University's Chenggong campus. As a designated teacher-training student, she will return to her hometown after graduation to become a public school teacher.

This choice reflects both her passion for English and her thoughtful consideration for the future—to illuminate the path of knowledge for herself and for countless other children like her. Guo Rong aspires to be like her junior high English teacher, communicating with students in a calm and effective manner, tailoring her teaching to their individual needs, and sowing seeds of hope in their hearts. Becoming an excellent teacher is her most humble yet resolute goal.

Guo Rong's recent photo

Beyond her studies, she loves to read and has even taught herself calligraphy at university. Though she modestly claims her writing isn't perfect, this appreciation for traditional culture is particularly precious in our digital age.

From a shy, reserved girl who struggled to express herself, Guo Rong has blossomed into someone who can easily connect with new environments and peers. She credits university with helping her become much more outgoing. Interacting with roommates from different regions and cultures has broadened her horizons significantly.

Through her own hard work and the support of the education program, Guo Rong has gained access to a better education, opening doors to improve her life circumstances. She plans to return to her hometown and use her acquired knowledge to contribute back to society.

Ford volunteers' care for the children extends beyond financial donations; they engage in letter exchanges, inquiring about the children's studies and well-being. Even after leaving Ford, volunteers continue to actively participate in the program.

Two English novels translated by Pamela Guo, a former colleague at Ford

Not long ago, a former colleague, Pamela Guo, now living overseas, donated a batch of books, including "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" and "Anne of Green Gables," to the program. These were children's books she translated during her postgraduate studies and had previously been recommended by CCTV News.

The Ford Orphan Education Program has not only changed Guo Rong's life but has also sown the seeds of self-reliance, gratitude, and contribution in countless other children like her, empowering them to create a brighter future.