The True Meaning of Education: A Story of Gaokao, Mental Health, and Finding Your Path

What does education mean to you? W.Y. asked me one day. 'The pursuit of knowledge,' is the answer I blurted out. With a nod of agreement, W.Y. told me his thoughts: He believes that education should go beyond the limitations of textbooks and exams. It should ignite curiosity and promote critical thinking among students. Furthermore, it should encompass the pursuit of our passions and the discovery of our authentic selves. Sadly, our educational establishments, including our own school, tend to prioritize conformity over individuality.

Yet, my friend, we possess the power to effect change. Emancipate yourself and embrace your unique identities. Seize the chance.

After he said this, we ended this topic. At that time I thought it was just a topic that pops-up as a whim in his mind, but now it is all making sense to me. In China, the Gaokao exam holds immense importance for students in public schools, as it is believed to determine our entire future. This leads us to focus solely on the test grades; thus, we are always memorizing and doing practices, forgetting the true essence of education. Additionally, some students, like my classmate W.Y. and me, are chosen to skip a year of junior high and enter high school early to have two full years just to review Gaokao materials. W.Y., one of my close friends, used to be a straight-A student, who is like a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day, bringing warmth to everyone. However, his grades took a turn for the worse after we finished all the courses since he reckons that repeating the materials is a waste of time when there is so much he needs and wants to do. I could sense that his ray of light is fading. Until one day, he stopped showing up at school, and the ray of light is shadowed by a cloud—— the immense pressure surrounding Gaokao and his inner conflict had broken W.Y.. He had succumbed to serious depression and decided to drop out of school for a semester.

Learning about W.Y.'s struggle made me pause and reflect upon my own mental well-being. I am sitting in my seat in the classroom, and as I took a long look at myself, it felt like my soul was flying out of my body to observe the entire class. All the students were like machines, working hard without feeling, and I too was one of these machines. My soul gazed upon my body, a vessel that moved mechanically as if controlled by unseen forces. It was like a puppet, dancing to the whims of other puppets around it. Yet, upon closer observation, it became clear that all the puppets were entangled in a complex web of control, each one influencing the next; yet, there was no puppet master manipulating the strings; instead, it was a tangled network of interdependence. It was a startling realization - I too was grappling with mental problems. Caught in the whirlwind of endless studying and competition, I had unknowingly trapped myself in a meaningless loop. All my efforts were directed towards running in one direction, but I hadn't even spent time deciding which path to take.

In conclusion, this eye-opening experience with my friend W.Y. has taught me the true value of education and the importance of prioritizing mental health. It is crucial that we challenge the current educational system, which often prioritizes conformity and test scores over individuality and holistic growth. We must advocate for a more balanced approach to education, one that fosters curiosity, critical thinking, and the pursuit of passions. Simultaneously, we must prioritize mental well-being, recognizing that our worth is not solely determined by grades or achievements. Let us take a step back, reflect on our own mental health, and think carefully before blindly following the expectations and pressures imposed upon us. By doing so, we can create a healthier and more fulfilling educational journey for ourselves and future generations.