The American dream

Since Chen Chen left the familiar surroundings of her hometown in China, she has found in Southern Wesleyan University a community of people who readily reached out and helped her grow.

“I met many Americans who came to China to teach English, and the more I stayed with them, the more I admired them,” Chen said. “Their love and kindness to Chinese people gave me a very deep impression although I was just a little girl at that time.”

Chen admired their way of life, wanting to pursue her own "American dream."

In the summer of 2004, an American couple led Chen and her mother  to become Christians. During the three years Chen was in high school, she felt more strongly that God was leading her to America for college education.

“And He finally picked SWU for me among more than 10 schools that the American teachers recommended,” Chen said.

Chen worked through the process of taking the TOEFL exam, SAT, applying to SWU, being accepted, and getting visa from the U.S. consulate. Through it all Chen knew God was always with her, guiding her path step by step.

What about culture shock?

“Leaving all my family in China and coming here all by myself, I had no fear. I know God has His special plan and purpose for me in this campus. It is a place where I feel God's people's love everywhere, a place that helps me to become mature, to grow educationally and spiritually.”