Successful Youth -- The Growth Journey of 8 Young Talents

Author: Zhou Zhou
Publisher:
Publish Date: March 1, 2003
Features: This book focuses on young prodigies and those who achieved success in special fields from a young age. It mainly narrates many interesting stories from their growth process. Through the introduction of their personal talents, experiences, and family environments, it provides readers with inspiration and references from different perspectives. All the interviewees in this book fully cooperated with me, which enabled me to complete the entire work smoothly. During the interview with Jiang Xiaohan, her family was in the process of moving. After multiple phone calls, we finally set the interview location in a café near her new home. On the day of the meeting, her mother had just taken off her work uniform after packing the room. I am not a professional writer, nor an experienced interviewer. Whether during conversations or while writing based on recordings, my emotions would inevitably fluctuate with those of the interviewees. Guan Ling, this cheerful and lively little angel, spoke endlessly. When I told her the interview was over, she said with a hint of regret, "Three hours already? I still feel like I haven’t said enough!" In contrast, the young "Go Saint" Chang Hao was clearly not very articulate, expressing his passion for Go solely through simple language. In fact, each character has their own distinct personality: Jiang Xiaohan’s sensitivity, Gong Ao’s honesty, Du Bingchan’s confidence, and Mo Huilan’s easygoing nature. Their stories moved me, and many of their words deeply touched my heart. I believe that during a child’s growth, their parents have the greatest influence on them. Therefore, I made every effort to interview those parents—the parents who have nurtured world champions, pianists, inventors, and little stars. The honesty each parent displayed when facing me was something I had not anticipated, and the background and behind-the-scenes insights they provided undoubtedly helped us understand the inner world of the story’s main characters. Wang Xiaohan’s father, Wang Junning, was particularly talkative and witty. He seemed unafraid to admit that he had once beaten his son: "I turned a pianist out of him." However, this kind-hearted man would always shed tears at his son’s concerts. Mr. Du Xiaozhuang, Du Bingchan’s father, was filled with pride for his daughter in his words. Although I couldn’t comment on his views or predict the outcome of Du Bingchan’s inventions, at that moment, I was deeply moved by this profound paternal love. The process of interviewing these characters was also a learning experience for me. Despite having many tasks to handle daily—studios, outdoor locations, dressing rooms, microphones—I seemed to be constantly busy. All the interviews and writing were done in my spare time. However, I still harbored curiosity and enthusiasm for these characters and their stories. Every time an interview ended, I would feel an inexplicable excitement. These vivid characters, these wonderful stories, always left me restless for a long, long time. Everyone longs for success and recognition from the world; but only with a healthy mindset can one truly achieve happiness in life. For this reason, the definition of success today should be broader and more open, rather than limited to achievements in one’s career. Whether those who have already achieved success or those striving for it, may everyone live with ease, so that they can always remain in happiness!