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Zoey Zhang

An energetic 60-year-old man from eastern China with an appetite for confounding age stereotypes has gone viral after becoming a university student and taking part in military training.
Having taken China’s national college entrance exam, or gaokao, twice, he finally achieved his dream, living by his motto – “Learn for as long as I live.”
Former human resources worker, Wang Wensheng, from Hefei, Anhui province, was admitted to a local vocational college in August.
He is now studying online marketing and live-streaming e-commerce.

Wang recalled taking the gaokao decades ago but failing.
“Experiencing the learning atmosphere on a university campus has always been my dream,” he said.
When Wang received his admission letter, his elderly mother blessed him and joked that she would not be covering his tuition.
Wang reassured her, saying: “No problem, I am grown up now. The best support you can give me is to take care of your health.”
He added that his family fully supports his decision, and he plans to fund his three years of study with his savings and his wife’s salary.
“The cost of tuition is relatively low, so we do not have financial pressure,” he said.
In September, Wang shared a video on mainland social media of himself taking part in university military training.

New students in China typically undergo a two-week military-style programme, which includes drills, combat training, and other activities aimed at improving physical fitness and promoting teamwork.
Wang, who is in good physical and mental health, completed the training in line with the school’s standards.
He revealed that his physical abilities had improved, saying he now climbs five flights of stairs as quickly as his classmates.
Living in a six-person dormitory, Wang gets along well with his younger roommates, who help him around the campus.
One cheerful friend often encourages him to make videos with her, affectionately calling him “Uncle Wang”.
Wang also offers life advice to his classmates and actively participates in class activities.
One night after military training, he handed out wedding sweets from a relative’s wedding, winning applause from his classmates.
When campus club members came to promote their activities, Wang posed for photographs and learned about the latest trends in anime culture.
“I feel younger, more energetic, and more eager to explore after going to university,” he said.
Wang also live-streams his studying process on mainland social media to inspire others.
He has gained more than 45,000 online followers.
One of his fans said: “This uncle’s energy is as strong as that of any young person. I admire his initiative and determination.”

“Wang might be the only student in university who does not need his parents to pay his tuition,” another netizen wrote.
While a third person quipped: “I am going to send my dad to university. Now is the time for him to work hard.”
Stories of middle-aged people defying the norm to pursue their dreams are popular in China.
In September, a 57-year-old retired mother from Shanghai went to Malta alone to study.
Mainland netizens praised her courage, dubbing her a “rebellious mum.”


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People & Culture

Former human resources worker completes military training, wins praise from growing army of online fans for his ‘determination and initiative’


Former human resources worker completes military training, wins praise from growing army of online fans for his ‘determination and initiative’.


China education