When hardship becomes a compulsory course in life

Author: Hong Zhanhui
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-03-01
Features: Hong Zhanhui is a college student at Huaihua University in Hunan. Under the circumstances of repeated family misfortunes, he has overcome various difficulties over 12 years, raising his father's "adopted" sister, who is not biologically related to him, and supporting her education with money earned from small businesses and part-time jobs. The Ministry of Education, in the "Notice on Learning from Hong Zhanhui," called on students to learn from Hong Zhanhui, admiring his tenacious character of self-reliance and courage to strive forward; his strong will and perseverance in overcoming difficulties; his fighting spirit that never bows to adversity or gives up in the face of setbacks; his noble qualities of diligent study, strict self-discipline, and sincerity; and his optimistic, proactive, and high-minded attitude toward life and lofty moral standards. The significance of the Hong Zhanhui spirit lies in lighting a bright lamp for contemporary youth. The radiance of traditional Chinese virtues it embodies is enough to illuminate the path forward: guiding those lost to find direction, restoring hope to the discouraged, and empowering those in adversity to find strength. Hong Zhanhui possesses a broad heart of love and a strong sense of responsibility. He thinks more about his responsibilities to his family, to others, and to society! As impoverished students who have received too much care from the country, society, and schools, we have every reason to take on the responsibilities that belong to us or were never ours in the first place. Only in this way, when facing Hong Zhanhui, will we not feel ashamed.