Game Changer: The Life Story of Michael Cheng-Yien Chen, Ph.D

By Michael Cheng-Yien Chen and 陳振炎

Life for a young Taiwanese boy growing up in a Japanese-controlled country in the 1940s was not easy. He was certainly not born with a silver spoon in his mouth. At a vulnerable age of only four, he would lose his mother to a skin infection that in today's world would have been easily treated with a trip to the doctor's office. War, poverty, and

• Language: English
• Publisher: EHGBooks
• Release date: Nov 1, 2022
• ISBN: 9781647842864

Book preview

Foreword

Life for a young Taiwanese boy growing up in a Japanese-controlled country in the 1940s was not easy. He was certainly not born with a silver spoon in his mouth. At a vulnerable age of only four, he would lose his mother to a skin infection that in today’s world would have been easily treated with a trip to the doctor’s office. War, poverty, and the daily struggle to survive would set the stage for a real life Cinderella story complete with a harsh stepmother, a fairy godmother, and a beautiful princess who would transform his world.

This is the awe-inspiring life story of Michael Cheng-Yien Chen, a man who was able to endure the hardships of loss, poverty, and war to discover his gift of academic excellence, find his soulmate, and pursue the American dream. He has touched the lives of those around him and has helped pave the way for a healthier world through his scientific contributions. 

Written in his own words, this is the story of a man who instilled in those around him the value of family, education, and the unyielding passion to be your best. He is a man I am proud to call my father.

—James Lian-Hsu Chen

Introduction

My life story is one of a first-generation immigrant who left Taiwan for further education and a new life in the United States. Naturally, my grandchildren are interested in understanding how their grandparents came from a country so different from the United States, the country of birth for all of my grandchildren. In addition, they want to know how their grandparents adapted to life in the US and built successful careers. This is my opportunity to write the story of my childhood, education, immigration and later life, so that my children, grandchildren, and future generations will have a better understanding of their roots. It is also an important occasion to impart some of my advice and perspective on how they can be successful individuals and members of the world in which they live.

The writing of this story happens to coincide with my fiftieth wedding anniversary, March 8, 2014. I dedicate this story to my wife, Pearl, my other half. We have lived and worked together for so many years to raise a family and make our dreams become a reality. Stories are always winners because stories are the glue that holds families together. The best way to connect with children and grandchildren is by telling stories.

My life started with a lot of hardship and I struggled to adapt to the difficult environment. I overcame the hardship and my story ends happily. I’d like to share some of my advice to give my future generations guidance and inspiration.

—Michael Cheng-Yien Chen, PhD

Contents

Foreword

Introduction

Contents

Early Childhood

Beginning School

Tiger Stepmother’s Hard Labor Camp at Home

Religious Upbringing and Chinese Philosophy

Dawn’s Early Light and Sunset Red

Eye on the Prize

The American Dream

The Long March

To the Future Generation

Additional Materials

In Memory of Pearl Chen

Pearl Chen Obituary

Pearl and Michael Chen’s Professional Achievements

Pearl M. Chen Professional Experience and Recognition

Pearl M. Chen Patents

Pearl M. Chen Publications

Michael C. Chen Professional Experience and Recognition

Michael C. Chen Patents

Michael C. Chen Publication

Michael C. Chen Books

Michael C. Chen Sports Achievements

My Ancestry

Family Tree

Afterword

Family Photos

Early Childhood

I was born during World War II, and my life was very difficult in my early childhood. I was born in Taichung City, Taiwan, in 1939, during World War II (photo no. 2). My family consisted of my father, Tiau-Chuan Chen, my mother, Wan-Su Wu Chen (photo no. 1), my four elder sisters, Shiang-Inn Chen, Ling-Se Chen, Shu-Se Chen, and Chau-Se Chen, and my younger brother, Jeng-Cheng Chen.

When I was four years old (photo no. 3) and my younger brother was just two years old, my mother passed away due to a minor facial wound on the right side of her face that became seriously infected. During World War II, no antibiotics were available, so my mother’s life tragically could not be saved. I remember my father carrying her in his arms to a rickshaw to bring her to the hospital. It was the last time I ever saw my mother.

At such a young age, I could not really comprehend the death of my mother. In desperate need of maternal love, I first denied her passing and then eventually accepted that she was gone for the rest of my life. Both my younger brother and I were so young and in desperate need of a mother. I missed my mother dearly.

Our oldest sister was twelve years old at the time of our mother’s death. She immediately took over as a mother-figure, taking care of her five younger siblings. I have a deep respect for her. I loved my family very much and enjoyed playing with my four sisters and younger brother in my younger childhood.

War during my childhood made it especially difficult. I was always scared when the sirens frequently went off and I had to see the soldiers practice fighting in our neighborhoods. Japan controlled Taiwan from 1895 until the end of World War II in 1945. There was a Japanese air base located nearby Taichung City where I lived. At night, I could see airplanes shooting from the sky. As a child, I remember seeing Allied prisoners of war who were chained together and paraded down the