Today is the first day of school for many universities. However, many college students are worried: "What should I do if I can't keep up with my studies in college?" When college students are at a loss, Taiwan Tech provides an academic accompanying system for students, allowing students who aspire to improve their academic performance to apply as long as they are eager to learn. In addition, if students from eight categories such as low-income or disadvantaged backgrounds apply for accompanying study, they can receive subsidies, which further encourages students.

Yi-Chun Chen, a national athlete who graduated from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Taiwan Tech, also applied to study as a companion during her university years. She recalled that at the beginning, she was under a lot of pressure from schoolwork and felt out of place, thinking she wasn't smart enough. She also misunderstood accompanying study as a sign of weakness. However, after applying upon suggestion, she found the assistance extremely helpful, catching up with her classmates academically, and eventually continuing to pursue a master's degree.

Yi-Chun Chen, a national athlete who graduated from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Taiwan Tech, also applied to study as a companion during her university years.

Yi-Chun Chen is very grateful for the companion reading system, which allowed her to keep up with her studies without any additional expenses. The accompanying student can also receive subsidies, making it a win-win situation. It allows students who need reading companions to be supported within the education system.

Yi-Chun Chen is extremely grateful for the companion study system, which allowed her to keep up with her studies without any additional expenses.

Yi-Chen Liu, a third-year student in the Department of Industrial Management, acknowledges that his foundation from high school was not strong enough, making it difficult for him to absorb course content quickly during classes. As a result, he applied for reading companions in two subjects: "Homework Research" and "Statistics." He is very grateful to his fellow student, Yan-Yu Lin, who patiently teaches him and encourages other students who need help with their studies to make good use of the companion reading system.

Yan-Yu Lin, Yi-Chen Liu's study partner, graduated from the Department of Industrial Management at Taiwan Tech last year. She mentioned that taking on the role of tutor not only helps and resolves her classmates' learning difficulties but also provides her with greater opportunities for advancement in her professional field of study.

Yan-Yu Lin, the study partner, graduated from the Department of Industrial Management at Taiwan Tech at Taiwan Tech last year.

Yan-Yu Lin believes that the situation of studying with Yi-Chen Liu is slightly different because he is an excellent student in sports. Balancing both training and academics can lead to physical and mental exhaustion, making it difficult to concentrate on studies. Therefore, during the study process, it's necessary to constantly monitor his mental condition and provide timely breaks and adjustments to the learning pace.

What's particularly noteworthy is the case of Min-Zhi Ho, who graduated from the Department of Chemical Engineering last year with outstanding academic performance. As a "Dream Builder" from a disadvantaged background, Ho assisted indigenous students in subjects such as "Chemical Thermodynamics" and "Unit Operations" through companion study. He stated, "Lack of financial ability does not mean poor academic performance," emphasizing his continuous assistance to classmates in their studies since college and using this to apply for scholarships during his master's program.

Min-Zhi Ho mentioned that the indigenous students he assisted often lagged behind in their progress, leading to fear and lack of confidence in their studies. How to explain the content in simple terms was a common problem he had to solve. Through teaching, he believes he has also learned a lot himself.

Min-Zhi Ho, who graduated from the Department of Chemical Engineering last year, became a study partner as a distinguished "Dream Builder."

Originating from the "Steady Dream Building" scholarship program under the Higher Education Deep Cultivation initiative, Taiwan Tech's "Dream Builders" encompass eight categories: low-income households, middle-low-income households, persons with disabilities, families in special circumstances, indigenous peoples, recipients of the Ministry of Education's disadvantaged student aid, those who have encountered sudden changes in life circumstances, and pregnant women. To encourage learning, students can apply for companion study up to 6 times and receive a subsidy of 5,000 NT dollars per application.

Taiwan Tech’s companion study system must rank in the top 40% of their class academically, with grades of A or above in the subjects they assist. For individual reading companions, the subsidy is 250 NT dollars per hour, while for group reading companions, the subsidy is determined by the number of students: 350 NT dollars per hour for groups of 3 to 5 students, and 450 NT dollars per hour for groups of 6 or more students.