A Beijing strawberry farmer has been receiving calls from students nationwide for over a decade, all sparked by his phone number appearing in an English exam passage. His unexpected role as a source of inspiration highlights a heartwarming link between education and everyday life.
- Farmer's phone number featured in a nationwide English exam.
- Students contact him yearly seeking advice and encouragement.
- Inspired student later visits the farmer after university admission.
What happened
A young student named He Ziqi discovered a strawberry farmer's phone number during an English test in middle school. Intrigued by the real contact information embedded in the exam, he messaged the farmer on a popular Chinese messaging app, WeChat. The farmer, Mr. Wang, revealed he had been unknowingly receiving messages from students across China for more than ten years.
Mr. Wang, who has been cultivating strawberries in Beijing for over two decades, did not know how his number ended up in the exam. He assumed a test creator had found his advertisement signs and included them in a reading passage. Despite the initial surprise, Mr. Wang appreciates the connections with students and uses these calls to offer words of support and encouragement.
Why it feels good
This story is a touching reminder of how unexpected interactions can foster inspiration and mentorship in ordinary places. Mr. Wang’s gentle encouragement to students—urging them to work hard and stay dedicated—helps motivate each caller to believe in their potential. The farmer’s kindness, extended across years and geography, shows the warmth that everyday human connections can bring.
The experience has a ripple effect, as students like He Ziqi carry the motivation forward. Now a postgraduate student in artificial intelligence, He remained grateful for the farmer's advice and reached out again after gaining university admission. Their reunion, culminating in a shared meal and newfound friendship, illustrates the meaningful bonds born from simple yet sincere support.
What to enjoy or watch next
Stories like this highlight the power of community and the unexpected ways wisdom is passed on, even from those far removed from classrooms or formal mentoring roles. Look for more uplifting tales about strangers who inspire persistence and kindness in everyday life, showing how encouragement can arrive in the most surprising forms.
For readers inspired by this story, enjoying documentaries or features on grassroots mentorship and education initiatives can offer further insights into how many communities nurture young people’s aspirations. Keep an eye out for pieces that celebrate human connections where they matter most—within neighborhoods, schools, and beyond.