By Zhao Ying, special consultant of China affairs for governor of Alabama, USA

San Marino, a wealthy and conservative enclave located northeast of Los Angeles, California, U.S., was founded in 1913 by railroad magnate "Henry - Huntington “, and US Army General " George Patton.” San Marino is home to many bankers, lawyers, and doctors, while many Asians have moved there in the past few decades. 

The San Marino Unified District ranks as the top school district in California. On June 3, 2016, American-Chinese Mr. Yangkai Lin was elected as President of Carver Elementary School.

As a first-generation Chinese immigrant to the U.S., Lin offers unique advantages to Carver Elementary School. His bilingual and bi-cultural background help students learn about different cultures as they build bridges with their immigrant parents.

Lin was born in Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China and had immigrated to the US with his parents at the age of seven. He struggled with cultural identity issues. Such experiences help him to establish better relations with parents and children.

Children in the fourth or fifth grades start to struggle with "identity issues" along with social-emotional needs, which can be a tangled process for immigrant kids. He teaches children to develop characteristics such as respect, trust, and good citizenship that are embraced in all cultures, and can help children navigate through cultural differences.

Lin won the US Presidential Award in high school, received a bachelor’s degree in Engineering from Cooper Union College in New York City with a Master's Degree in Computer Information System Management. 

During the 911 terrorists attack of the World Trade Center, he worked in a Wall Street investment firm, and that was a turning point in his life. "Engineer's can fix things, but the 911 tragedy was made by man. I want to " fix "people, so he pursued a career in education. 

Zhijian Zhang, Vice Chairman of Board of Education for San Marino School District, said Lin’s background in computer engineering will play a pivotal role to help advance science and technology programs for Carver Elementary School.

Lin also promotes traditional concepts of Chinese culture. Chinese parents have complained that children do not respect their elderly. Asian parents want their children to preserve Chinese culture while learning to achieve their "American Dreams,"  and not to forget their  Chinese roots and "Chinese dreams. ”

Dexian Lin’s parents have made outstanding contributions during World War II. and Lin had built a home in LA for his parents to retire in. 

The Lin family strongly supports Chinese culture. Accordingly, more American Chinese families should take lessons from their story to integrate Chinese culture into their American lives, while pursuing their "American Dreams,” finding the niche to deepen their "Chinese roots," and to revitalize the "Chinese Dreams.”

( The opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Panview or CCTV.com. )

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