Gaokao blessing: China's university examinations
- By Eugene Clark
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E-mail China.org.cn, June 12, 2014
And, what about those students who do not succeed? Does the educational system offer sufficient multiple paths so that there are many attractive alternatives? Should parents as well as students adjust their expectations so that children are freer to follow their passion as opposed to everyone chasing a limited number of professional careers (doctor, lawyer, accountant)? Students should not be made to feel like "failures" if they do not get into a particular program. When one door closes, many other and even more exciting ones may open.
The reality, too, is that many people bloom and reach their peak later in life. Albert Einstein is a well-known example. Does the educational system offer alternative tracks whereby people can easily attend university later in life, at night, online or in a part-time program? As knowledge continues to explode and China increases its share of higher-end manufacturing and services, its population will need multiple opportunities and avenues to widen their education. Indeed, as I've written elsewhere, each organization in all parts of society should develop an ongoing culture of learning.
It is also important to remember that education can be attained in many other ways than in a university. For example, both Bill Gates (Microsoft) and Steve Jobs (Apple) dropped out of university.
From the poorest to the richest of nations, education is the key to moving forward. If the Chinese Dream is to be realized it is important for every citizen to become all that it is possible for them to become. People will also tend to excel most and lead a happier life if they find a way to earn a living doing the things that they are most passionate about. It is important that our educational systems be designed to facilitate these goals.
My best wishes to all students as they pursue their Chinese dreams!
The author is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit: http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/eugeneclark.htm
Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn
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