Wang Junrong (Youth Times): Xiao's decision has come as a shock not only to his advisor but also to many others. Xiao has issued several long theses as the first author in an internationally respected academic journal. If he continued his scientific research, he would make more contributions to the science circle and achieve more esteem in his career. However, now he feels so fed up with his research work that he wants to quit, despite the rosy prospect this work can promise him.

One who has a passion for scientific research will not be fatigued, but lacking such interest is surely draining. As Xiao has said, "Scientific research is really exhausting, so when I decided to give it up, I felt totally relieved."

Everyone has his or her own choice of career and ideals. Xiao will feel satisfied when he imparts his knowledge to his pupils. To some extent, he is more helpful for the students than for science. In the latest winter holiday, he helped to give lessons to a freshman that had failed a calculus examination just two days before. Later, the student passed the exam with a very high score. This proves that he is suited for teaching. More importantly, his parents do not oppose his decision to be a middle school teacher.

Although Xiao is very talented, such talent will not automatically turn into one's interest. Only when one is driven by an inherent interest for something can we expect him to go far in that area. Xiao is sure to bring up more excellent Ph.D.s and researchers to replace him one day.

Sun Zonglin (www.lfxww.com): Xiao once said that he kept doing science work for so many years not because he was really interested in it, but because he was brought up to be a good child who always follows his parents and teachers. No matter whether he likes it or not, he will always try to do the job well. Actually, his experience is also the reality facing many of his peers, who have to bend to their parents and teachers in making choices and decisions. They are obedient and good children, but their real interest and ambition are always ignored.

Xiao's decision was made after careful consideration, and this time he just wants to take the initiative to make a plan for his future life. If Xiao is forced to stay in the university, he might gradually develop resistance and even hatred for the work. In that case, we'll neither see an excellent scientist, nor an excellent middle school teacher.

Ding Hongfeng (Suqian Evening News): We need to dig into Xiao's choice and make clear to what extent similar problems are facing today's young people.

Xiao said he was not forced by his advisor to do scientific research, but that he has always excelled at what his teachers pushed him to do. He finishes work as fast and as well as he can. As a result, his advisor believed that he is a science lover. It's no exaggeration to say that the discussion regarding Xiao reflects a common issue in China's education system.

In today's China judging whether a child is a good student or not depends on their "obedience." What the child wants to do is not important, but what matters is they must go into a standard mold that is roughly tailored for millions of students, and then be made into scientific giants and engineers.

In Xiao's case, he likes to be a teacher, but under the traditional education system, he was set on the path to science. However, when he gradually comes to discover his real interest and happiness, his divorce with his current job is actually inevitable.

Good education is supposed to fully develop children's interest and help them to chase their own dreams, but not to bring them up in the same mold. Xiao at last realizes what his true interest is and thus decides to live the life he likes to. He deserves respect for his courage to plan his own life. Not many young people are brave enough to take such a big risk.

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