Teacher provides a lesson in dedication

After realizing Lin was sincere, Wei says he held nothing back.

"I wrote my weekly journals with all my heart, and was willing to write about my most intimate feelings and shared them with him," Wei says.

It thrilled Lin to find that even the most timid students were able to come out of their shells and actively engage in school activities.

Lin has managed to open students' hearts with his tireless dedication and sincere attempts at communication, and has become a trusted life coach for them.

Many are still writing to Lin years after graduation, pouring out their hearts and asking for advice on life choices.

Over the past 14 years, Lin has kept up the good work and developed a four-step motivation method.

He believes that good teachers should first accept all children as they are and create a happy classroom atmosphere.

"Then, they should awaken children's desire for knowledge through scenarios, stories and games before letting children construct their own knowledge system through project-based learning," he explains.

"Finally, they should guide children to apply what they have learned into practice."

Lin has received many awards, including the excellent teacher award from the Ministry of Education in 2014.

Years at the teaching post have also allowed Lin to see the positive changes in local education.

At Hetou, a standard stadium with a plastic cement running track has been built, and the new school building is equipped with modern labs and libraries. Clean water systems and flushing toilets have been installed.

Speaking about his future plans, Lin says he will keep honing his teaching skills.

"I am just an ordinary teacher who loves education. I hope I can be a good guide and use my profession to lead more rural students in the right way on the path of life," he says.