Rare Disease Doesn't Stop Dream: Bunun Girl Yu Jing-Ying Admitted to NKNU Indigenous Program
Yu Jing-Ying, a Bunun student from Haiduan Township, Taitung County, has suffered from a rare disease, pseudoachondroplasia, since childhood, standing at about 100 cm tall. With optimism and perseverance, she overcame physical limitations, graduated from National Taitung Commercial Vocational High School, and was admitted to the indigenous program at National Kaohsiung Normal University. She actively participated in an indigenous dance troupe, won a top award in a national dance competition, and passed the preliminary review for the Presidential Education Award. She hopes to give back to her tribe and promote indigenous culture.
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- 📰 Published: June 4, 2026 at 18:11
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(Central News Agency reporter Lu Tai-cheng, Taitung County, 4th) Yu Jing-Ying, a Bunun student from Xinwu Tribe, Haiduan Township, Taitung County, has suffered from a rare disease, pseudoachondroplasia, since childhood, and is about 100 cm tall. Always facing challenges optimistically, she graduated from National Taitung Commercial Vocational High School today and will attend the indigenous program at National Kaohsiung Normal University.
National Taitung Commercial Vocational High School held its graduation ceremony this morning, honoring outstanding students. Among the award recipients on stage, Yu Jing-Ying overcame the challenges posed by her physical condition, winning three major awards: the Encouragement Award, Outstanding Club Activity Award, and Outstanding Academic Advancement Award, drawing attention for her excellent performance.
The Bunun girl, Yu Jing-Ying, comes from the remote Xinwu Tribe in Haiduan Township. Despite her rare disease and height of about 100 cm, she has always faced life's challenges with optimism and perseverance, never giving up on her dreams due to physical limitations. She has proven with her actions that the height of life is not limited by physical stature, overcoming difficulties to complete her studies and gaining admission to her dream indigenous program at National Kaohsiung Normal University.
Her homeroom teacher, Wang Li-Ru, told the media that Yu Jing-Ying has faced various tests brought on by her illness since childhood, putting in more effort than most in both daily life and academics. However, she has never bowed to fate. With the support and encouragement of her family, teachers, and all sectors of society, she has gradually developed an independent and resilient character, channeling her passion for life into learning and cultural heritage.
Wang stated that during her time at National Taitung Commercial Vocational High School, Yu Jing-Ying actively participated in the indigenous dance troupe, using dance to deeply understand and pass on indigenous culture. Through unremitting efforts, Yu Jing-Ying and her team represented the school in the national dance competition, winning the top award. They not only showcased the beauty of indigenous culture on stage but also let more people see the vitality and confidence of indigenous youth.
In addition to her outstanding achievements in the arts, Yu Jing-Ying's spirit of overcoming adversity and actively pursuing learning earned her recognition in the first stage of the Presidential Education Award, making her an inspiring role model on campus. Her growth story not only moves teachers and students around her but also demonstrates the resilient vitality of indigenous youth when facing difficulties.
Wang said that Yu Jing-Ying has been successfully admitted to the Bachelor's Indigenous Program in Art Industry at National Kaohsiung Normal University, and will continue to move towards her goal of combining art, culture, and industrial development. The road ahead may still hold challenges, but it is believed that with her passion, perseverance, and love for culture, Yu Jing-Ying will shine on a bigger stage in the future.
Yu Jing-Ying expressed her hope to use what she has learned to give back to her tribe, promote indigenous culture, and let more people understand the rich cultural heritage of her hometown. (Editor: Zhang Ya-Jing) 1150604
National Taitung Commercial Vocational High School held its graduation ceremony this morning, honoring outstanding students. Among the award recipients on stage, Yu Jing-Ying overcame the challenges posed by her physical condition, winning three major awards: the Encouragement Award, Outstanding Club Activity Award, and Outstanding Academic Advancement Award, drawing attention for her excellent performance.
The Bunun girl, Yu Jing-Ying, comes from the remote Xinwu Tribe in Haiduan Township. Despite her rare disease and height of about 100 cm, she has always faced life's challenges with optimism and perseverance, never giving up on her dreams due to physical limitations. She has proven with her actions that the height of life is not limited by physical stature, overcoming difficulties to complete her studies and gaining admission to her dream indigenous program at National Kaohsiung Normal University.
Her homeroom teacher, Wang Li-Ru, told the media that Yu Jing-Ying has faced various tests brought on by her illness since childhood, putting in more effort than most in both daily life and academics. However, she has never bowed to fate. With the support and encouragement of her family, teachers, and all sectors of society, she has gradually developed an independent and resilient character, channeling her passion for life into learning and cultural heritage.
Wang stated that during her time at National Taitung Commercial Vocational High School, Yu Jing-Ying actively participated in the indigenous dance troupe, using dance to deeply understand and pass on indigenous culture. Through unremitting efforts, Yu Jing-Ying and her team represented the school in the national dance competition, winning the top award. They not only showcased the beauty of indigenous culture on stage but also let more people see the vitality and confidence of indigenous youth.
In addition to her outstanding achievements in the arts, Yu Jing-Ying's spirit of overcoming adversity and actively pursuing learning earned her recognition in the first stage of the Presidential Education Award, making her an inspiring role model on campus. Her growth story not only moves teachers and students around her but also demonstrates the resilient vitality of indigenous youth when facing difficulties.
Wang said that Yu Jing-Ying has been successfully admitted to the Bachelor's Indigenous Program in Art Industry at National Kaohsiung Normal University, and will continue to move towards her goal of combining art, culture, and industrial development. The road ahead may still hold challenges, but it is believed that with her passion, perseverance, and love for culture, Yu Jing-Ying will shine on a bigger stage in the future.
Yu Jing-Ying expressed her hope to use what she has learned to give back to her tribe, promote indigenous culture, and let more people understand the rich cultural heritage of her hometown. (Editor: Zhang Ya-Jing) 1150604