Summary of Key Points
This conversation revolves around the essence of education, focusing on the challenges of college life, the ways to overcome periods of confusion in one's life (referred to as the "Odyssey period"), and the significance of lifelong learning. Educator Lin Xiaoying and university student Yang Qianqian highlight that current college students are trapped by a single-gpa evaluation system, which stems from a breakdown in the educational relationship between teachers and students (students desire to be noticed but are often ignored). A meaningful college experience should be considered within the broader context of one's life, rather than blindly pursuing postgraduate studies. The romantic narrative of "unlimited possibilities" can lead to "limitations," as it encourages trying everything without delving deeply into any one area; instead, one should choose to focus on one specific goal. Graduation is not the end of education; lifelong learning and personal growth are the true keys to success.
1. Why Are College Students Trapped by GPAs? The Breakdown in Educational Relationships
Yang Qianqian observes that students today are most concerned about their GPAs and career prospects. She laments how they are constrained by a system that evaluates them solely based on academic performance, unlike her own experience during college when she could engage in meaningful conversations with her teachers until late at night. Lin Xiaoying points out that the problem lies not in "involution" (competitive pressure) but in the loss of a genuine educational connection—students feel unseen and can only prove their worth through high GPAs.
For example, when Yang Qianqian wrote a five-page letter to a student as a farewell message, the student cried, saying it was the first time someone had remembered her name. Other students use strategic methods to achieve high GPAs but constantly fear being exposed as having not truly learned anything, leading to anxiety. The cost of this "strategic lifestyle" is the loss of the joy of immersive learning and the opportunity for spiritual growth.
2. A Meaningful College Experience: Don't Treat College as a Extension of High School
Lin Xiaoying believes that college is not an isolated stage in life; it should serve as a bridge between the past and the future:
- The Past: The stressful days of high school are over. Should one completely relax or continue to feel anxious?
- The Future: Pursuing a master's degree is not mandatory. After encouraging her student to let go of the obsession with postgraduate studies, the student felt more open to opportunities and even decided to take on challenging courses, despite the impact on their GPA.
The key is to view college within the context of a lifetime: one will eventually need to work for a living, and skills can be acquired outside of school as well.
3. Are "Unlimited Possibilities" a Trap? Avoid the "Limitations" of Overwhelming Choices
Young people are often inspired by the idea of having unlimited possibilities but end up feeling lost. Lin Xiaoying calls this a romanticized narrative that can lead to "limitations"—they try too many things without focusing on any one area in depth (constant job or relationship changes).
Her solution is to be like a "frog at the bottom of a well," meaning to focus on one specific goal and cut off other possibilities. For instance, after graduating with a Ph.D., she chose a low-paying job at a university because it aligned with her values. She also used her travel budget to explore China, drawing inspiration from Rousseau's "Emile" to find her direction in life. She emphasizes that a "buoy" (a temporary direction) is more important than an "anchor" (a fixed commitment); young people should seek the former and not rush to make permanent decisions.
4. Graduation Is Not the End of Education: Lifelong Learning Is Key
Lin Xiaoying stresses that school education is just a part of life, and self-education is even more crucial. Many people find themselves in jobs unrelated to their majors but still perform well because they have the ability to learn continuously. She opposes labeling oneself with personality types like MBTI (e.g., "I'm an ISTJ, so I'm socially anxious"), as these labels can limit personal growth. Her student, initially shy, overcame her fears and delivered a successful research project for the dean. The key is to see yourself as a flexible and adaptable person who can change throughout life.
5. The Essence of Education: "Getting to Know Yourself and Living with Uncertainty"
The conversation returns to the initial question: What is the purpose of education? Education is not about getting scores or degrees; it's about learning to understand the world, yourself, and to coexist with uncertainty. Whether in college or during difficult times in life, the goal is to find your own rhythm, avoid being controlled by external evaluations, and focus on growing through lifelong learning.
This conversation serves as a mirror, reflecting the anxieties of contemporary youth while offering practical solutions: think less about what you "must do" and more about what you "want to do," taking control of your own life.