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Zoey Zhang

A mother in China has become an inspiration for her ability to balance work and study to earn a graduate degree from a prestigious university.
When the woman, 53, graduated from Fudan University in Shanghai, her 23-year-old daughter, identified as Xu, made sure to attend the ceremony.
Xu told the mainland media outlet Dami video that, in 2021, her mother had applied for the school’s Masters of Business Administration programme.
The mother, who was not named, spent two hours every evening studying for her courses.
Xu said: “My mum was very happy during her studies. My dad and I would usually help with household chores for her.”
The woman also held a full-time job while attending the programme, and successfully balanced her work and academic life with unconditional support from her family.

The mother’s certification means the entire family has earned graduate degrees. Xu attended the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and her father graduated from the South China University of Technology in Guangzhou in southern China.
When her mother successfully graduated from Fudan University, Xu said: “I’m very proud of my mum! Now, our family’s education levels are all the same.”
Having achieved success in both her career and education, the mother has inspired many young people on mainland social media.
One online observer said they forwarded this story to their parents, telling them: “Even as parents, you have the right to pursue your dreams.”
Another commented: “Parents are the best role models for children.”

In Chinese tradition, parents often see their children’s success as extensions of their own lives and achievements.
They often say wang zi cheng long to their children, which means “they hope their children will become dragons in the future”. This phrase conveys the parental aspiration for their children to become accomplished individuals with successful careers.
But now, more and more young people send similar expectations and blessings to their parents.
One netizen shared his father’s story on Douyin, saying: “My dad got his PhD degree at the age of 59. Over the years of his studies, when my dad would become anxious, my mum and I took him travelling and did everything to make him happy.
“I couldn’t be happier when I saw my dad fulfil his dreams. I was happier watching him than achieving my own success.”


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People & Culture

Woman comes to represent increasingly common trend of people getting degrees later in life


A mother in China has inspired many after she received a prestigious graduate degree while juggling her work and family.


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China society

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The Chinese University of Hong Kong

‘Pursue your dreams’: woman proud of mother, 53, graduating from top China university

.css-1mniedq{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;}Woman comes to represent increasingly common trend of people getting degrees later in life

Woman comes to represent increasingly common trend of people getting degrees later in life