For some students, university entrance exams would make or break their visions of the future as they often believe that if they cannot get into the schools they wish, they will not become successful. Some have even committed suicide because they thought their lives are over because they were not successful in getting to the school they wanted.
With the Gaokao or the college entrance examinations this year are finally over, there are still reports of individual candidate suicides being reported. Many experts believed that to prevent this trend from growing, students must be guided in having a correct outlook in life and teach them values which are important.
Prior to the Gaokao, several celebrities have posted words of encouragement for the students. One of them was NBA star Jeremy Lin, who posted a blog entry on June 8 entitled “The letter to attend the university entrance exam students.” In the blog, he shared his experience of frustrations, pressures and painful experiences he experienced while in the US. He also said “I want my own experiences to remind people that their presence is more valuable than their accomplishments” as a statement against suicide.
The full text of his blog entry is as follows:
“I know many of you spent a lot of time very hard in preparation for the university entrance exam. I just would like you to read this and hope that this article will give you a little encouragement.
"For a man who grew up in the bay area, I have been proud of myself as a Palo Alto resident because I think it is the best city in the world. Like many people, I read the Atlantic monthly “Silicon Valley Suicides” (link), which makes me recall the experiences I had at Palo Alto High School.
"High school must have a good source of pressure and it is familiar to me. I remember very clearly. When I was a high school freshman, I was overwhelmed by the achievement of the next four years which will determine whether I succeed or fail. Every day I thought about courses, assignments, reports, and exams that may cause different results; if I should choose top or general universities, the success or failure of life, and life’s happiness or misery.
"I often wake up at midnight on Sunday, because of poor exam nightmares and wake up scared in a cold sweat. I fear Sunday because of what it represents: I just end it with my favorite - a few weekend basketball games, and I get ready to face the pressure of each class the next week. This pressure comes from all directions: parents, classmates and the worst is from my own. I would think I only get one chance at high school, and GPA and SAT scores and my college application are the reflections of my success indicators.
"I remember one day I attended a symposium, a guest college student was asked: what is the most regretful thing you had in your high school? I had expected to hear "missed a chance" or "I don't choose a road" , but unexpectedly, he replied: "The most regretful thing I had when I was in high school is that I didn't enjoy high school life, and got preoccupied with grades and tests. In fact, I now don't remember my SAT scores." I had countless Princeton Review practice exam, but now I don't remember my SAT tests a bit?
"However, as the high school years passed, I learned that even with the pressure of success, I must make a decision on my own: not to define myself with success and achievement. I learned from my brother, priests and friends: my identity and my value is far more important than performance. Since my childhood, my parents always told me: "Do your best, and give the results to God." When I really understood the meaning, I felt the load on my shoulder unloaded.
"To separate one’s self and achievements is not a simple thing, and I constantly re-learn this point in life at every stage. The world always expect you have a better achievement, to do more and be more successful. When I studied at Harvard University, where there is pressure to get good grades, win honor for our Harvard; After the "Lin crazy", every night has the pressure to have a good performance, become the All-Star, win a championship. I still have a lot of dreams, and do my best to pay for everything I do, the success and failure are just short. My first year at Palo Alto High School, a classmate sitting next to me committed suicide. It is difficult to accept that fact. A year later, my other friend committed suicide too. I personally felt the pain of love their family and friends’ suffering. I realized that the people around me carry the burden we don't see, I told myself I should be more sensitive to the needs of others and understand others’ inner struggle.
"We may not have the method to solve the other people’s problems, but we can spend more time to really listen to the people around and lend a helping hand and have the same heart. I have no great ideas. I also don't know the challenge of today’s high school students are faced with, but I know that we are living in a society full of toughness. People are trying to learn how to help and care for one another. I hope my own experience may remind some people that their presence is more valuable than their achievements. "
