Student overcomes adversity to pursue academic dream

Zhou Yibing, a post-00s undergraduate from Tsinghua University in Beijing, inspired netizens nationwide after realizing her academic dream in June.

Zhou, who scored 613 out 660 in the 2021 national college entrance exam, or gaokao, was admitted by Tsinghua University's Weiyang Academy this fall, a school she had longed to study at since childhood.

She fulfilled her dream despite being unable to participate in the 2020 gaokao due to undergoing two spinal surgeries.

"We saw the persistence of chasing after one's dream in Zhou," said Qiu Yong, president of Tsinghua University, during the 2021 fall semester opening ceremony.

After careful consideration, Zhou chose to major in instrumentation and control systems technology. She is eager to devote herself to serving her country's development and innovation.

"In the future, I want to use what I have learned to contribute to my country's scientific development and break through technological barriers," Zhou said.

Apart from her studies, Zhou has recovered well enough to participate in the college volleyball team. She felt comfortable and energetic on the court.

"The girl who used to teeter can now hop, jump and spike," Zhou said.

Last April, Zhou suddenly felt her body go numb, with no more than two months left before the gaokao.