This year, Lina Yeh was elected as the 47th president of the Northern California Chinese School Federation. Her son, Lin Li-hsiang, also assumed the role of president of the Formosa Association of Student Cultural Ambassadors (FASCA) in the San Francisco Bay Area. Together, they have taken on significant responsibilities within their respective organizations, supporting each other in various events. They often carpool from the East Bay to the South Bay for activities, leading their respective community groups at many key occasions.
The FASCA, organized by the Overseas Community Affairs Council, has recruited 70 students this year. Lin Li-hsiang, who previously served as vice president, was encouraged by his teammates from the “San Tai Zi” drum team to run for president. This year marks a pivotal moment for him as a senior preparing for college admissions. Given the numerous activities involved with the youth cultural ambassador program, Lina initially worried that taking on the presidency would be too much for him.
Ultimately, Lin Li-hsiang chose to run for the presidency and won by securing the highest number of votes in two rounds of elections. Reflecting on his journey, he admits that when he first joined FASCA, he was reluctant to participate, but his fondness for the organization grew over time. Each moment spent in activities has deeply touched him, as he engaged with teammates, sharing life experiences and emotions, and witnessing their growth.
The Northern California Chinese School Federation is one of the region’s key community organizations, connecting Chinese schools and sponsoring various events, from teacher training to student Chinese competitions. Lina had initially hesitated to run for president, concerned about balancing her role as the principal of the Bay Valley Chinese School and the additional responsibility of the presidency. However, after encouragement from community elders, she decided to take on the challenge.
Both mother and son transitioned from being initially reluctant to running for their positions to being elected this year. What started as concern over their responsibilities has transformed into cherished moments together. Given that the Federation and FASCA participate in many mutual events, meaning they often work together, the commute from the East Bay to the South Bay takes nearly an hour for Lina. Now with Lin Li-hsiang accompanying her, they enjoy each other’s company during the drive. Lina expressed gratitude for this chance, saying, “It’s a wonderful coincidence that this has become such an important time for our mother-son relationship. I’m very thankful.”
During the National Day flag-raising ceremony, Lina led the Northern California Chinese School Federation while Lin Li-hsiang spearheaded FASCA. At the teacher appreciation event hosted by the Federation, Lin Li-hsiang brought FASCA to support the occasion, with both of them shining in their respective roles.
Lina shared that their dual presidencies have not only strengthened their bond, but also allowed them to engage in meaningful work together. “I believe that when we look back on this period in our lives, it will be a very precious and beautiful memory,” she reflected.
