Despite, or perhaps because of their curiosity, other students often seem reluctant to introduce themselves, Chen says.
"In general, people get stuck in their comfort zones. I know I do," he says. "It's one area I should improve in, by introducing myself and drawing others in."
Chen's efforts might be unwarranted. Others say he is widely-known and well-liked.
"Jack has a lot of friends," Dinonno says. "He's always with someone I know."
But Chen argues that he always has room for more.
"I value friends a lot," he says. "I think I'm more willing to sacrifice for others than for myself."
Chen's friendships and his faith have sustained him through challenges that others might not have withstood. Even more, they have led him to believe that those trials aren't what is significant about his life at all, important than the ordinariness of activities like practicing the guitar or and studying the Bible.
"One thing really came out of me losing my eyesight--afterwards, the only thing in this world is Christianity," he says. "I developed a heart that can forgive."