Local Student Travels to Taiwan for Centennial Peace Day Celebration

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Jeny L. Ancer

Jeny L. Ancer, a senior majoring in German and international studies, recently returned home from the trip of a lifetime. Ancer is a native of Fayetteville and a graduate of Haas Hall Academy. She was selected to represent the United States as an international guest for the Republic of China (Taiwan) Elite International Youth Week Centennial Homestay held Aug. 12 through Aug. 25, in honor of the Republic of China’s hundredth anniversary.

Ancer had the opportunity to live with a Taiwanese host family in Pingtung County and spend much of her time traveling, exploring and learning about Taiwanese culture.

“Taiwan surprised and challenged me in ways I never thought possible. I was truly enveloped in the culture because the people I connected with were open to sharing their culture with me" Ancer said.

The program was organized by the Council for Cultural Affairs and completely funded through corporate sponsorships and the government of Taiwan. The celebration included 250 elite youth candidates representing 125 countries around the world. The theme of the event, titled “Say Taiwan,” is an effort to promote the country, its culture, history, and influence through the power of social media platforms.

Participants were encouraged to share their travels, pictures, updates and experiences on social media platforms allowing people across the world a chance to see Taiwan through their eyes. “The people of Taiwan are very proud, honest and loving people. They are tender and kind and I did not meet one person that did not smile at me” Ancer said. 

The culmination of the trip included a trip to Kinmen Memorial Peace Park for the “Sounds of Peace Centennial Peace Day Celebration.” The event opened with performances from well-known musicians and artists from around the world. The celebration ended with the ringing of the Republic of China (Taiwan) International Peace Bell. Ancer and the other honored guests had the chance to meet distinguished ambassadors, foreign dignitaries and the president and vice president of Taiwan.