Society

Make the first time count

By Zheng Jinran (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2011-01-12 14:48

"Do not take the second shot. Make it happen the first time." When it comes to his post-graduate entrance exam, Xiao Chen would say that, and repeat it several times.

Xiao Chen (not his real name) is in his second year of graduate studies at Renmin University in Beijing. He tried a second time to step into his dream school in 2009.

"The first time, distractions always waited for me during the preparation. So I paid a bitter price. When I decided to give myself a second chance, I really tasted the bitterness and live with the huge pressure every day," he said.

"For a better job, I need to further my studies. So I never regret taking the second exam after I failed. My parents had to follow my decision and gave their support both financially and mentally during that year. I really appreciate my parents' support."

He said during that year, he was immersed in the preparation, bearing the pressure that he took one more year to realize his dream and lived on the money provided by his family.

"I do hope candidates for that exam can do their best their first time. Trying it again has nothing to do with courage; it's a hard choice, a bitter pill that one has to swallow."

Now he has an internship at a State-owned enterprise and thinks he can probably get the job. Finally he can make it on his second try.