Liu Cheng-En, a third-year student in the Department of Electrical Engineering at Yuan Ze University, was recently invited to attend the BESTEP English Proficiency award ceremony hosted by the Language Training and Testing Center (LTTC), where he received the English Progress Award, showcasing his outstanding language learning achievements.
The BESTEP English Proficiency Test provided university students with a realistic and challenging English assessment platform. Yuan Ze University encouraged students to participate and offered scholarship support, allowing them to enhance their language skills without financial burden. Liu Cheng-En shared that he initially signed up simply to test his abilities, but the school's subsidies and scholarships motivated him to take on the challenge.
This was his third time taking the BESTEP test, and within a short period, he successfully improved his English writing proficiency from B1 to B2, earning recognition through the Progress Award. He explained that he had focused on structuring his writing and managing time efficiently by first outlining key points and marking important keywords, ensuring that his essays were more logical and on-topic. Additionally, he expressed gratitude for the university's BESTEP Enhancement Classes and Writing Consultation Services, which helped him refine his writing structure and expression.
The award ceremony was held in a warm and celebratory atmosphere, and it held special significance for Liu Cheng-En, as Vice President Hsu Tse-Chih, who represented Yuan Ze University at the event, had been his father’s advisor during his graduate studies in mechanical engineering years ago. During the ceremony, Vice President Hsu specially invited Liu Cheng-En’s parents on stage for a group photo, creating a memorable "three-generation moment", which was met with continuous applause and heartfelt emotions from the audience.
In addition to receiving the award, Liu Cheng-En was also invited to share his learning journey on stage. He recalled that he had struggled with English in elementary school until one day he heard Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I have a dream" speech but could only understand that one sentence. From that moment, he set a goal: "One day, I want to understand the entire speech." This determination drove him to continuously improve his English skills.
He emphasized, "This progress award is not just a certificate to me—it represents my transformation from failing grades in the past to being able to clearly express myself and communicate my ideas today." He also praised the BESTEP exam for its relevance to Taiwanese students' real-life situations, as it helped test-takers apply their English skills practically and boost their confidence.
Looking ahead, he expressed his desire to continue improving his English proficiency, actively participate in international exchanges, broaden his horizons, and learn from people of different cultural backgrounds. "Language is not just a tool—it is a key to unlocking the world!" he remarked.
Liu Cheng-En’s learning journey not only demonstrated his personal dedication but also reflected Yuan Ze University’s commitment to English education. His transformation and perseverance served as an inspiration for other students to challenge themselves and pursue their dreams.