In the ever-evolving landscape of China’s higher education, a new voice has emerged, offering a poignant glimpse into the lives of the country’s “ordinary” youth. Huang Deng, a professor at Guangdong University of Finance (a pseudonym), a second-tier university in southern China, has penned a deeply personal and insightful account of his 15 years teaching students who often fall outside the narrative of China’s elite academic institutions. “My Second-Tier Students,” published in August 2020 by People’s Literature Publishing House, is not your typical academic treatise. Instead, it weaves together Huang Deng’s own reflections on the changing face of Chinese education with the compelling stories of his students, giving voice to a generation grappling with unprecedented challenges and societal transformations.
Huang Deng’s writing style, characterized by its inquisitive and introspective nature, quickly resonated with readers online. His penchant for posing thought-provoking questions, rather than offering definitive answers, piqued the curiosity of many, drawing them into the heart of the book’s central theme: the complex realities faced by China’s “second-tier” youth. These are not the offspring of wealthy urbanites or the high-achieving graduates of prestigious universities. They are the children of farmers, factory workers, and small business owners from China’s vast interior, seeking a path to upward mobility in a society increasingly defined by fierce competition and economic disparity.
“My Second-Tier Students,” is more than just a collection of anecdotes or a nostalgic reflection on bygone days. It is a powerful testament to the resilience, dreams, and anxieties of a generation navigating the complexities of a rapidly changing China. Huang Deng’s intimate portrayal of his students’ lives, told through their own voices, challenges readers to confront their preconceived notions about China’s youth and grapple with the social and economic forces shaping their destinies.
The book’s impact on the Chinese internet has been significant, sparking widespread discussions and resonating deeply with readers from diverse backgrounds. On Douban, a popular Chinese social networking platform that allows users to rate and review books, films, and music, “My Second-Tier Students” has garnered an average rating of 7.6 out of 10, with over 19,000+ users contributing their reviews. The book boasts a recommendation rate of 76.7%, indicating its widespread appeal and ability to connect with readers on an emotional level. Through its candid portrayal of ordinary lives and its exploration of universal themes of ambition, struggle, and the pursuit of happiness, “My Second-Tier Students” offers a valuable window into the heart of contemporary Chinese society, shedding light on the experiences of a generation often overlooked in the grand narrative of China’s rise.
Nestled amidst the rolling hills on the northeastern outskirts of Guangzhou, Longdong stands as a microcosm of China’s rapid urbanization and the stark realities of its economic divide. Once a sleepy suburb, known to older Guangzhou residents as a distant and undesirable locale, Longdong has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent decades. Now, it pulsates with the youthful energy of students and recent graduates drawn to its proximity to Guangzhou’s booming economic center, yet priced out of its increasingly expensive housing market.
Huang Deng, our author and guide, has witnessed this metamorphosis firsthand during his daily commute on the 39 bus, his trusty chariot traversing the ever-congested Guangzhou streets for over 13 years. The transformation of Longdong, he observes, mirrors the larger narrative of Guangzhou’s relentless urban sprawl, where once-rural landscapes have been replaced by towering skyscrapers and bustling commercial districts. Longdong, however, retains a unique character, a blend of rural vestiges and urban aspirations, where affordable “urban villages” with their labyrinthine alleyways and densely packed “handshake buildings” stand in stark contrast to the gleaming high-rises symbolizing affluence and middle-class dreams.
This juxtaposition is a constant reminder of the widening gap between those who have benefited from China’s economic boom and those struggling to keep pace. For Huang Deng’s students, many of whom hail from rural backgrounds and second-tier cities, Longdong offers a temporary refuge, a place where they can find affordable housing and access to the city’s opportunities, albeit at a distance. The area’s affordability, however, comes at a cost. It lacks the polish and amenities of Guangzhou’s more affluent districts, and its “urban villages,” while vibrant and teeming with life, are often characterized by overcrowding, poor sanitation, and a sense of transience.
Within the maze of Longdong’s “urban villages,” Huang Deng introduces us to three recent graduates, each seeking to carve out a place for themselves in the shadow of Guangzhou’s prosperity. Deng Chunyan, a graduate from the less prestigious labor economics department, epitomizes the pragmatism of many second-tier students. She settles for a job in insurance, a field she views as having potential, yet acknowledges the industry’s less-than-stellar reputation. Her priority is finding affordable housing, and Longdong fits the bill. Her modest room, rented for a mere 500 yuan per month, offers a small sanctuary, a place to rest and regroup after long days navigating the challenges of her new career. Chunyan’s contentment with her simple dwelling reflects the reality for many young graduates, who prioritize economic stability over material possessions.
In contrast, Wei Fu, Chunyan’s senior from the same department, demonstrates remarkable resourcefulness and creativity in transforming his cramped rental space into a haven of aesthetic delight. Using discarded materials and ingenuity, he crafts a stylish and functional living space that belies its humble origins. Wei Fu’s artistry is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of many second-tier youth, who find ways to make the most of their limited resources and create beauty amidst the challenges of urban life. His meticulously curated room becomes a symbol of hope and personal agency, a reminder that even in the most unassuming corners of the city, individual dreams can take root and flourish.
Ran Xinzui, a young man from Gansu province with a deep passion for literature, embodies the unwavering ambition and perseverance of many rural students seeking to break free from their humble origins. Driven by a lifelong love of books, nurtured by his supportive grandfather, Xinzui sets his sights on Fudan University, one of China’s most prestigious institutions. His journey is a testament to the enduring belief in the transformative power of education, a belief deeply ingrained in Chinese culture, especially for those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Undeterred by the challenges of transitioning from a human resources management major to literature, Xinzui perseveres through years of arduous study, living frugally in various Longdong rentals, fueled by his dream and his family’s unwavering support. His success in securing a coveted spot at Fudan University is a triumph not only for Xinzui, but for countless aspiring students from second-tier backgrounds who see education as the key to a better future.
Just a stone’s throw from the bustling “urban villages,” a different Longdong emerges. Here, sleek high-rise apartment complexes with names like “Linyi Mountain Villa,” “Baocui Garden,” and “Junlin Tianxia” cater to a more affluent clientele, offering a lifestyle far removed from the realities of Chunyan, Weifu, and Xinzui’s world. The proximity of these contrasting realities underscores the widening socioeconomic divide in Chinese society. For those living in the “urban villages,” the gleaming towers serve as a constant reminder of their aspirations and the challenges they face in climbing the social ladder. The “entry card” to these exclusive complexes represents a coveted symbol of success, a tangible marker of a life they strive to achieve.
Longdong, in its duality, encapsulates the hopes and anxieties of a generation caught between tradition and modernity, between the allure of the big city and the constraints of their socioeconomic realities. It is a place where dreams are both nurtured and tested, where the pursuit of a better life unfolds against the backdrop of a rapidly changing China.
Stepping into the public classroom at Guangdong University of Finance, Huang Deng, fresh from the theoretical world of his doctoral studies, found himself confronting a new reality. Armed with a Ph.D. in literature, he was tasked with teaching “Economic Practical Writing” and “College Chinese” – courses seemingly worlds apart from the heady intellectual discourse of postmodernism and literary theory. The sterile terminology of business communication – “reports,” “requests,” “directives,” “decisions” – clashed with the theoretical lexicon he had grown accustomed to: “modernity,” “deconstruction,” “discourse,” “hegemony.” Yet, this unexpected juxtaposition sparked a profound realization within him. The seemingly mundane world of practical writing, he discovered, was deeply intertwined with the lives and aspirations of his students. Their struggles, their hopes, and their anxieties were embedded within the very fabric of their written words.
Initially, Huang Deng approached his teaching with a mix of trepidation and excitement. He felt the weight of responsibility, knowing that his students, many from rural backgrounds and unfamiliar with the intricacies of academic writing, relied on him to equip them with the skills needed to navigate a rapidly changing society. However, as he delved deeper into their assignments, he realized that the sterile formulas and rigid structures of business communication failed to capture the complexities of their lived experiences. He began to question the efficacy of his teaching, recognizing the need to move beyond rote memorization and formulaic writing exercises.
A turning point came in the form of a simple essay assignment, “Wind.” Written by Deng Huazhen, a first-year computer science student, the essay was a raw and heartfelt outpouring of her financial struggles. Her words painted a stark picture of a family burdened by multiple children, meager income, and the crushing weight of educational expenses. Huazhen’s essay was a revelation for Huang Deng, shattering his preconceived notions about the economic realities faced by many of his students. He realized that for some, just affording basic necessities was a daily struggle, a far cry from the comfortable middle-class existence he had assumed. Huazhen’s story spurred him to action, leading him to initiate a fundraising campaign among his colleagues to help alleviate her financial burden. This experience underscored the power of connecting with students on a personal level, recognizing their individual challenges, and using his position to make a tangible difference in their lives.
The essays, reports, and exam papers that landed on Huang Deng’s desk became more than just graded assignments. They transformed into windows into the lives of his students, revealing their joys, their sorrows, and their profound anxieties about the future.
Zhu Jieyun, a student from Zhuhai, shared a poignant essay titled “Fatherly Love.” Her words, filled with love and grief, offered a glimpse into the devastating reality of a family coping with a terminally ill daughter. Her father, described as a “stubborn, hot-tempered butcher,” emerged as a tender and devoted caregiver, his gruff exterior melting away as he faced the impending loss of his only child. Jieyun’s essay transcended the boundaries of a typical assignment, becoming a testament to the enduring power of family bonds and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity. Tragically, Jieyun succumbed to her illness before graduating, leaving Huang Deng with a profound sense of loss and a renewed commitment to cherishing the precious time he had with his students.
He Wenxiu, a student from a relatively affluent background, submitted a thought-provoking list of “18 Questions” for a class discussion. Her questions, ranging from the plight of China’s coal miners to the widening gap between rural and urban education, demonstrated a keen awareness of social issues plaguing the nation. Wenxiu’s assignment revealed a depth of thought and a social consciousness that challenged Huang Deng’s assumptions about the priorities and concerns of his more privileged students. It underscored the importance of fostering critical thinking skills and encouraging students to engage with the broader societal context shaping their lives.
Even within the confines of standardized exams, Huang Deng found ways to encourage his students to reflect on their personal experiences and grapple with the complexities of their generation. On final exams, he included open-ended essay questions inviting them to share their perspectives on China’s education system, their hopes for the future, and their deepest concerns. Their responses offered a poignant chorus of anxieties, frustrations, and a profound sense of disillusionment. Many lamented the soul-crushing pressure of the “gaokao,” the all-important college entrance exam that had dominated their lives for years. They questioned the relevance of their coursework, expressing frustration with the rote memorization and formulaic writing exercises that had characterized their educational journey.
The yearning for stability and security, a hallmark of previous generations, was replaced by a palpable sense of uncertainty and precarity. Many expressed fears about finding meaningful employment in a saturated job market, where competition was fierce and the value of a university degree seemed to be diminishing. The soaring cost of living in major cities, particularly the astronomical rise in housing prices, cast a long shadow over their dreams of settling down and starting families.
The stark contrast between the expectations placed upon them – to excel academically, secure stable jobs, and contribute to China’s economic prosperity – and the realities they faced, generated a profound sense of disillusionment. The promise of upward mobility through education, a deeply ingrained belief in Chinese society, seemed to be slipping away, replaced by a gnawing sense of anxiety and a fear of being left behind in a society that valued material success above all else.
Huang Deng’s public classroom became a space where these anxieties could be voiced, where students could grapple with the complexities of their generation and challenge the prevailing narrative of China’s unbridled economic progress. Their essays, their questions, and their exam papers offered a glimpse into the anxieties of a generation grappling with the human cost of a rapidly changing China. Their voices, often overlooked in the grand narrative of China’s rise, echoed the realities of a society struggling to reconcile its economic ambitions with the aspirations and well-being of its youth.
Navigating the choppy waters of China’s rapidly changing higher education landscape, Huang Deng felt an increasing disconnect between the standardized curriculum and the complex needs of his students. The relentless focus on exam scores and job placement, while essential for survival in a hyper-competitive society, seemed to leave little room for personal growth, intellectual exploration, or the cultivation of critical thinking skills. Witnessing firsthand the anxieties and uncertainties plaguing his students, Huang Deng yearned to create a space where they could connect with their passions, delve deeper into their intellectual curiosities, and develop a stronger sense of self-awareness beyond the pressures of grades and job prospects.
This desire led him to establish his “Mentorship System,” a self-initiated program offering individualized guidance and support to selected students beyond the confines of the formal curriculum. The system’s origins can be traced back to Huang Deng’s time teaching at the university’s smaller, more intimate Zhaoqing campus. The close proximity to his students, the informal gatherings in his dorm room, and the open dialogues that unfolded during those evening chats, ignited a spark. He realized that beneath the surface of standardized test scores and resume-building activities, a thirst for genuine intellectual engagement and personal connection lay dormant within many of his students.
The “Mentorship System” was designed to be a space where this thirst could be quenched. Free from the constraints of exams and grades, Huang Deng encouraged his mentees to pursue their individual interests, engage in in-depth discussions about literature, and explore their own unique perspectives on the world. He assigned them extensive writing projects, organized reading groups, and even took them on field trips to cultural landmarks and universities, broadening their horizons beyond the confines of their immediate environment.
The five students Huang Deng highlights in this section – Liu Wanli, Xu Zeliang, Li Muguang, Du Zirun, and Yan Fangkun – represent the diverse tapestry of backgrounds and experiences that characterize “second-tier” youth in China. Each student navigates their own unique set of challenges, shaped by family circumstances, economic realities, and the prevailing societal pressures of their generation.
Liu Wanli’s journey is marked by resilience and a relentless drive to overcome a difficult upbringing. Hailing from a poverty-stricken rural family in Gansu province, Wanli has witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of economic hardship and familial dysfunction. Haunted by her father’s business failure, the crushing weight of debt, and the strained relationships within her extended family, Wanli clings to education as her lifeline. She pushes herself to excel academically, enduring physical and mental exhaustion, fueled by the belief that a good education is her only ticket to a better life. Her story is a testament to the unwavering ambition and determination of many rural students who view education as a means of escape from the limitations of their circumstances.
Xu Zeliang’s story reflects the struggle for identity and purpose amidst familial indifference and financial hardship. Growing up in a large, emotionally distant family in Shantou, Zeliang grapples with feelings of isolation and a lack of belonging. His parents, preoccupied with their business and the demands of raising five children, offer little emotional support or guidance, leaving Zeliang to navigate the complexities of adolescence largely on his own. He finds solace in literature, discovering a passion for writing that offers him a sense of purpose and a means of expressing his inner world. His journey highlights the emotional toll of a childhood marked by neglect and the transformative power of finding a passion that can ignite a spark within even the most disillusioned soul.
Li Muguang’s path exemplifies the unwavering determination to pursue one’s passions despite the weight of poverty and familial responsibility. Hailing from a poor, rural family in Zhanjiang, Muguang has always loved literature, finding solace and inspiration in the written word. Despite the hardships of his upbringing – a dilapidated home, meager meals, and the constant burden of financial insecurity – Muguang remains optimistic, fueled by his dream of becoming a writer. He juggles his academic pursuits with part-time jobs, shouldering the responsibility of supporting his family while refusing to let go of his literary aspirations. His story underscores the indomitable spirit of many rural students who refuse to be defined by their circumstances and find ways to nurture their passions despite the challenges they face.
Du Zirun offers a unique perspective as a privileged student who finds purpose and fulfillment through volunteer work. Coming from a comfortable, middle-class background in Shantou, Zirun has never known the hardships of poverty or familial instability. Yet, she possesses a deep empathy for those less fortunate, dedicating her time and energy to working with autistic children through a local non-profit organization. Her experiences expose her to the realities of life beyond her privileged bubble, challenging her assumptions and deepening her understanding of social inequality and the complexities of human experience. Zirun’s story highlights the growing awareness of social responsibility among some of China’s more privileged youth and their desire to make a meaningful contribution to society.
Yan Fangkun’s journey is one of resilience and self-discovery as she overcomes a challenging childhood marked by parental abandonment and financial insecurity. Raised by her extended family in a rural town in Guangxi province, Fangkun yearns for stability and a sense of belonging. She faces numerous setbacks – a broken family, economic hardship, and the emotional scars of a mother who left when she was a child – yet she perseveres, fueled by a quiet determination to create a meaningful life for herself. Her story underscores the enduring strength and adaptability of many young people facing adversity, their ability to find joy and purpose amidst difficult circumstances.
Huang Deng’s reflections on the impact of his “Mentorship System” are nuanced and insightful. He acknowledges the program’s limitations in addressing the systemic issues within China’s education system, recognizing that it can only reach a small number of students and cannot single-handedly bridge the widening gap between those from privileged backgrounds and those facing significant disadvantages.
He observes that the pressures on young people to succeed in a hyper-competitive society are intensifying, driven by the relentless pursuit of economic growth and the growing disparity between the haves and have-nots. He worries that the emphasis on rote learning and standardized testing, while essential for navigating the gaokao and securing coveted university placements, is stifling creativity, critical thinking, and the development of well-rounded individuals.
Despite these challenges, Huang Deng remains hopeful, finding inspiration in the resilience, determination, and yearning for knowledge displayed by his students. He believes that education, at its core, should be about more than just job placement and economic advancement. It should be about fostering a love of learning, encouraging critical thinking, and nurturing the individual potential within each student, regardless of their background or circumstances. He sees his “Mentorship System” as a small but meaningful step towards realizing this vision, a testament to the enduring power of human connection and the transformative potential of education when it is guided by empathy, encouragement, and a genuine desire to see students flourish.
Huang Deng’s “My Second-Tier Students” provides a poignant and insightful look into the lives of China’s ordinary youth, a demographic often overshadowed by the narrative of the nation’s elite. Through intimate portraits of students grappling with the realities of a rapidly changing China, the book illuminates the diverse experiences and challenges faced by those attending less prestigious universities. We meet students like Xinzui, striving for a place at a top university, and Chunyan, seeking stability amidst the cutthroat housing market of Guangzhou. These individual stories reflect broader societal changes and economic trends that are shaping the future of China’s youth, such as the growing disparity between urban and rural opportunities, the relentless pressure of the gaokao exam, and the looming shadow of an increasingly competitive job market.
This book is particularly valuable for American readers who seek a deeper understanding of contemporary Chinese society beyond the headlines and stereotypes. Through the unfiltered voices of his students, Huang Deng reveals the hopes, anxieties, and dreams of a generation wrestling with the complexities of a society undergoing a profound transformation. From the poignant reflections on the impact of the “One-Child Policy” and the rapid pace of urbanization to the nuanced exploration of family dynamics and the enduring importance of tradition in a modernizing world, “My Second-Tier Students” offers a nuanced and empathetic perspective on the lives of China’s “ordinary” youth.
While this introduction offers a glimpse into the book’s key themes and compelling narratives, it is merely a starting point. To fully appreciate the richness and complexity of Huang Deng’s observations and gain a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing China’s youth, we encourage you to seek out “My Second-Tier Students” in its entirety. Within its pages, you will encounter a generation striving to find its footing in a world in constant flux, their stories offering a powerful testament to the enduring human spirit and the universal pursuit of a meaningful life.
"Takeout in China" by Yang Liping delves into the lives of China's food delivery drivers,…
Discover the fascinating history of high-speed rail, from its humble beginnings to China's modern marvel,…
"The Cell Phone Wars" unveils the dramatic rise of China's mobile phone industry, from shanzhai…
Dive into the captivating history of China's economic miracle with "The Surge of the Past…
Explore the fascinating history of Sichuan cuisine, from its humble origins to its global recognition.…
Discover the hidden political meanings in the Chinese classic, Journey to the West! Explore Sa…