Eva

“Lots of people can become a teacher, but being a good one is not easy.

[...]

My mom is a primary school teacher. My most vivid memories from my childhood were of her preparing lessons and grading papers under an orange lamp light. This was one of the reasons why I chose teaching as a profession. The second reason is that so many teachers have supported me in my growth. When I was younger they were the ultimate authority figures, but as I grew older they offered both discipline and kindness, and their effect on every child is far-reaching and long-lasting. I want to do the same as them, by offering up my own efforts.”

Joy

“I come from a beautiful, small county in Sichuan province, and my parents are honest and hardworking people. They both came from the countryside, but through their hard work they achieved a comfortable living and provided me with a very happy childhood. However, life is not always smooth-sailing. The rainy season the year I turned 17, my father left us forever after being diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Under my parents’ protection I hadn’t experienced much hardship, so the loss of my father was a big blow. Though I’d gotten into the best high school in the county with top grades, after my father passed away, my grades began to slip. I worked really hard during my last year of high school but I could not make up for what I’d missed the first year. My gaokao score was barely above the cutoff for a third-tier university in Sichuan province. To relieve the burden on my mom, I gave up the option to study at a third-tier university and chose to study at a specialized post-secondary college. But I was not satisfied. 

After coming to college, I didn’t slack off at all. The library was my second home. As the saying goes: hard work pays off. During these past four semesters, I’ve maintained the top grade in the department of foreign languages and I’ve received the National Encouragement Scholarship.

[…]

Though I am ordinary, I have big dreams. I dream of continuing my studies to earn my bachelor’s degree, of getting into graduate school, of one day leaving the country to see the world outside, and of having a steady and high-salary job and bringing happiness to my family.”

Fay

“After graduation, I will teach in the countryside for five years, going from a student to a teacher; from a young person who didn’t know much about the world to a leader on the podium. I once dreamed of becoming a painter, but even though reality is very different from my dreams, I’ve kept my passion for art and will incorporate it into my teaching in the future.”

Sunshine

“The most unforgettable experiences during my academic career were summer language and cultural exchanges between Chinese and American students. Every summer, a group of talented American university students would come to teach at my teacher’s college, and they helped a lot of college students. It was an especially unique opportunity for students majoring in English.

After graduation, I returned to my hometown to be a teacher. I try to pass all that I’ve learned to my students. I care deeply about each student, and I love my profession. I often encourage my students because I was also encouraged to keep reaching for my dreams by teachers in the past. 

[…]

My dreams are:

1. Become an influential professor

2. Help those in need

My plan for the next three years is to successfully complete my Master’s degree and begin my Doctorate studies.”

Jane

“People often ask me the same questions about the five year program, like: do you regret doing this program? Did you choose it for yourself? At first I didn’t like answering these questions, but I gradually got used to them and could answer them without thinking. I’ve completely accepted the fact that I’m in the five year program even though I used to be disappointed, or maybe because the circumstances themselves are not as bad as I thought they were.

[…]

For students in the five year program, going to college meant having complete freedom. With such a dramatic change from middle school where we were given instructions for everything, and knowing that we’d be guaranteed a job at the end, there wasn’t a great environment for studying. To be honest, I’m not the kind of person with no self-control, but in this kind of environment, I definitely slacked off a lot. Even though I tried my best to do some things, I still haven’t met the expectations I set for myself.

[…]

If you ask me about regret now, I’d definitely say that I have no regrets. Even though I missed out on the experience of going to high school and it’ll be harder for me to move forward, at least I’m luckier than those who still don’t have a goal or a steady job.”

Xin

“Xin, do you still remember why you came to the teacher’s college three years ago? Your family helped you choose the teacher’s college and you chose to major in foreign languages, even though you knew you were only interested in English, and did not want to become a teacher. 

[...]

Compared to being a typical English teacher, you’re more interested in going to other countries to teach Chinese language and culture and to expand your own horizons. Of course, before this can happen you have to apply for the chance to study for your bachelor’s degree. You know you cannot miss such a good opportunity the way you missed the gaokao. 

[…]

You’re an only child, so your family is depending on you. You want to buy a small convenience store for your grandpa, you want to renovate your house, you want to go see your friend Anna...

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Remember, you’re your family’s “little sun” and your future is bright. Don’t be lazy and don’t procrastinate. Don’t forget why you set out, because the future is worth looking forward to!”

Essence

“So, how will you spend this life? 

On the afternoon of July 19th, the music teacher who directed the popular middle school acapella group in China passed away at the age of 28. His choir was full of positive and youthful energy and their songs were incredibly moving. I still remember the first time I learned about acapella two years ago and my obsession with it and the joy it brought me. 

[...]

So, when you leave, what do you want to leave for others and for this world? 

I hope that five years from now, you maintain the same sense of curiosity and passion for life, your optimistic attitude, that you progress and grow, and that you keep a heart that continues to seek out beauty and kindness. 

Regardless of whether your life is turbulent like waves, spectacular like firecrackers, or calm as water, always remembers, humans are born with the life force to grow upwards. Continue to read, to study, to think, to listen to others’ stories, to find yourself and to perfect yourself. If you give things meaning, they will have meaning. If you believe it’s worth it, it’ll be worth it.” 

Kayla

“When I first came to the teacher’s college I always told other people that my parents made the decision for me. Four years later, I still tell other people that my parents made the decision for me, but I’ve started to understand their choice. 

[...]

The fifth year of college means things are ending, but doesn’t being eighteen years old represent youth and new beginnings? A fruit will eventually turn from sour to sweet and will continue to grow and flourish in places near and far. I don’t know what I will be like in five or ten years, but I believe I am brave and determined. I will not limit myself to playing a certain character in the future.

[...]

Remember this: even when you’re walking in the deserted wilderness, every step can feel like spring.”

Soda

“You’re resolved to continue on this path of early childhood education because you know that education needs to start young. You want to go to East China Normal University, because you know that excellent universities must have excellent resources and knowledge. Actions are always harder than ideas, just like a cocoon must endure difficulties in order to see the view and be free. Who doesn’t doubt themselves？With a disadvantaged bachelor’s degree, will it be easy to get to Shanghai？But if I don't give myself the chance to try, will I regret it in the future? I will!

Every time I doubt myself, the image of a group of children flashes before my eyes. They have no books to read and no schools to attend. I once watched a documentary about how different family backgrounds affect how children grow up. One girl from the countryside wanted to use knowledge to change her life, but is it that easy? Rural schools don’t have enough teachers, the quality of education is poor, and schools lack resources. In the end, as a result of educational and social inequality, she married a man and lived the typical life of a woman in the village. Students like her are having their dreams crushed! You have to do something to let them feel the power of education and to empower them to pursue their dreams. You have to work hard.”