Maybe I'm different from many peers here. Let me ask: When you first saw "education", did you pause — or a memory pop up? For me, the choice was clear; I picked this theme without hesitation.
Now, you might wonder: Why is that? Is it because I graduated from Hengshui High School in Hebei Province — a place some people call the "devil school" — so I have more right to talk about education? Let me tell you honestly: No. On the contrary, what really made me want to share my thoughts is this — I’ve been thinking a lot about the underlying mindset behind Hengshui’s model, a mindset shaped by the unique challenges of our times.
Let me paint you a picture. Imagine growing up in a province where the college entrance exam (Gaokao) competition is so fierce that every student feels the pressure. You’ve probably heard the saying, "To sail against the current, you either advance or fall behind" — right? Well, that’s not just a saying there; it’s a reality that weighs heavily on every senior high school. But here’s the part that surprises most people: My alma mater, Hengshui High, is actually more lenient in routine than many other schools in Hengshui City. Its real competitive edge? It comes from us students — from the way we pushed ourselves, from our self-disciplined pursuit of progress. After all, think about it:you might be a genius, but Hengshui never lacks them.
That’s my first point: Education should spark students’ internal drive to learn actively.
Now, my second point comes from Principal Xi Huisuo of Hengshui High. A quote I still remember: "Good education is the awakening of the soul." Let that sink in. Is education just about memorizing facts or getting into a university? I once thought so — until I realized it’s more. It’s guiding you to find your path, to see what matters to you.
So, what’s education’s true meaning? For me, it’s simple: Know your goals clearly, and be willing to strive for them — even when it’s hard. That’s the education that lasts, the one we all deserve.
Thank you.
