Young entrepreneurs are flocking to the new Cedarville University Entrepreneurs (CUE) School to make their ambitions a reality.
For Kaicheng Ye, a senior cyber operations and computer science major from Beavercreek, Ohio, CUE School directed him on his journey to publish his first fiction novel, "LIGHt," which is now available on Amazon. The storyline follows four middle school students who discover a suspicious person lurking around their school courtyard before finding themselves in a mess they never expected — and don’t know how to manage.
Ye began writing his book five years ago alongside his nine-year-old sister, Kylie. Ye credits his sister for helping brainstorm ideas, creating storyline suggestions, and even writing a small portion of the book. Driven by imagination and creativity, Ye spent his college years writing and refining his book, all while searching for a publishing opportunity.
That’s when he met Dr. Kary Oberbrunner, Berry chair of entrepreneurship at Cedarville University.
While attending CUE School online this past summer, Ye’s focus crystalized when he listened to Oberbrunner’s session on "Publishing your e-book." The session motivated Ye to become an Amazon author and publish "LIGHt."
"My goal in publishing the book was not to make money, but to share an entertaining story that young people can enjoy and use to share the gospel,” said Ye. “The book has underlying references to Bible stories and a section explicitly sharing the gospel message. I aim to glorify God in every endeavor I pursue."
While Ye still plans to pursue a career in cyber operations, he is also excited about his new creative writing hobby and newborn entrepreneurial mindset.
Ye credits CUE School for equipping him with the knowledge and resources to transform his idea into a finished product.
"Entrepreneurship is a mindset, not a minor. Any major can benefit from entrepreneurship, and Ye is proof that any student can be an entrepreneur," said Oberbrunner.
Ye continues to inspire his fellow students to pursue their goals and to start implementing their education now, regardless of their major.
Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is a Baptist university with undergraduate programs in arts, sciences, and professional programs, and graduate programs. With an enrollment of 6,384 students in 175 areas of study, Cedarville is one of the largest private universities in Ohio and is recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, and high graduation and retention rates. For more information about the University, visit cedarville.edu.