When Justin stepped onto the stage in ancient costume to perform a classical Chinese dance titled Triumph at the Northern Frontier (original Chinese title: Feng Lang Ju Xu), he captivated the audience and earned a bronze medal in the junior category of the Fei Tian Academy of the Arts third dance competition. Today, he has performed over 200 times worldwide with Shen Yun Performing Arts, bringing traditional culture and values to audiences everywhere.
However, few would guess the hardship behind his success. Just a few years earlier, Justin had been one of the most disruptive students in his school, struggling with severe ADHD, clashing with teachers, and even prompting police intervention. His remarkable transformation, according to his mother Ms. Wang, was rooted in a powerful source: faith.
A disruptive childhood with few answers
At home, Justin was cheerful and affectionate. But once he started school, his ADHD symptoms made it difficult for him to sit still, follow instructions, or participate in classroom activities. His behavior soon overwhelmed his teachers, even those with years of experience. Justin would scream without warning, bolt from the classroom, or hide in closets and bathrooms to avoid following the rules.
Over the years, the school held repeated meetings and brought in a child psychologist to observe Justin at home and in the classroom. A senior teaching assistant was assigned to stay by his side throughout the day. To give him a place to calm down, a quiet corner was built at the back of the room, complete with a sofa and bookshelf.
Despite everyone’s efforts, his outbursts sometimes escalated into aggression. On several occasions, he overturned desks and chairs. Police officers were called more than once, and one in particular — Officer Aaron — became familiar with Justin’s case. On one occasion, after locking his classmates and teacher out of the room and smashing furniture, Justin finally calmed down when Officer Aaron arrived. He even reached for the officer’s hand and asked him innocent questions, as if nothing had happened.
“No one else can understand what it was like to face this every single day,” Ms. Wang said quietly. For nearly five years, Justin remained under the care of Ontario’s special education program, unable to learn or complete assignments like other children.
A mother’s strength came from her beliefs
While others might have broken under the pressure, Ms. Wang was known for her unwavering patience and calm. The school principal once asked her: “How are you always so composed? Every time Justin loses control, he settles down the moment you arrive. What’s your secret?”
With a gentle smile, Ms. Wang answered: “It’s the power of faith. It teaches me to treat my child with compassion and patience.”
She credits her inner strength to the teachings of Zhuan Falun, the foundational text of Falun Gong, a spiritual practice based on Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance. “Whenever I read the book, my heart becomes calm,” she said. “When problems arise, I first check my own mindset — am I being impatient, complaining, or doubting? That way, I can stay grounded.”
The principal was so inspired that she later asked for an English copy of Zhuan Falun, hoping it might help other students struggling with emotional challenges.
As Justin slowly began to improve, he also became more affectionate. When he was 10, he told his mother: “Mom, I’m lucky — because you’re my mom.” Those simple words moved her to tears. “That one sentence made all the hardship and waiting worth it,” she said.
A new beginning at Fei Tian Academy
Hoping to find an environment that would support her son’s growth, Ms. Wang encouraged Justin to apply to Fei Tian Academy of the Arts. The school is known for its focus on traditional culture and moral character, with many of its teachers and students practicing Falun Gong.
“I believed it would be a good environment for him,” she said. “The school is built on values like Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance.”
Justin’s father was hesitant. “What if he has another episode? Will they be able to handle it?” But to everyone’s astonishment, Justin flourished. He began meditating, reading Zhuan Falun, and studying with newfound focus and discipline. Over the next three years, he had no further emotional breakdowns.
His academic performance soared, with all his grades above 80. He began texting his mother in Chinese, reading books, and even writing poetry. Artistically, he blossomed, winning a bronze medal in a school dance competition just two years after enrolling. By age 16, Justin had become calm, confident, and mature.
“Fei Tian helped Justin not just academically and artistically,” Ms. Wang said with deep gratitude, “but also taught him the meaning of true kindness and beauty. The cultural environment here is an invaluable treasure.”
Sharing hope with the world
Today, Justin is touring the globe as an intern performer with Shen Yun, using classical Chinese dance to share traditional culture and the universal message of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance.
For audiences worldwide, his elegant movements and poised expression tell a story of ancient beauty and grace. But behind the curtain is a journey of faith, perseverance, and a mother’s quiet strength — one that transformed a troubled boy into an artist with purpose.
Translated by Patty Zhang
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