Celebrity：Jackson He. A Chinese football player who attracted national attention
【明報專訊】Jackson He Peizhang (何佩璋) was born in Shaoguan(韶關), China. He received education in China until his parents sent him to the United States to pursue further education at college. He was enrolled at Arizona State University. He initially intended to join the basketball team at the University, but a football(美式足球) coach noticed him and invited him to the team.
Playing football for solely several years, he showed his talent in football and became a running back player in his team. Lately on 11 December 2020, he scored a touchdown ( 達陣 ) in a critical match. Commentators say that he was the first Chinese player to score a touchdown in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) game.
FBS is a nation-wide competition that consists of the most renowned and most competitive schools and hence, Jackson, by assisting the team to win over their rival, grasped public attention.
''Don't let fear stop you from living your passions, even in faraway lands.'' He has said. His story shows that nationality and ethnicity ought not to be obstructions against our own goals and targets. It is difficult to overcome impediments when we are pursuing our dreams, but Jackson's story is an inspiring one. He overcame the language barrier, cultural barrier, and other hurdles as well.
．Jackson He
．Age: 24
．Nationality: Chinese
◆Quiz
Can you find words that share a similar meaning of ''barrier''?
(Suggested answer on next text)
■Gear up
According to the passages on this page, circle the correct answer.
1. Jackson spent his childhood in China.
(True/ False/Not Given)
2. Jackson earned a lot for being a professional athlete at school.
(True/ False/ Not Given)
3. Only schools in Arizona will participate in the Football Bowl Subdivision game.
(True/ False/ Not Given)
■Glossary
pursue (v) 追求
intend (v) 意圖
renowned (adj) 著名
ethnicity (n) 種族
[Smarties' Power English 第306期]
