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Yang Shuzi
"The post-80s generation is promising rather than bleak. The country will be more prosperous and powerful because of them." -- Yang Shuzi, academician with Chinese Academy of Sciences
Yu Dan
"They comfort and pep up quake survivors with love. We can feel Sichuan people's confidence and Chinese people's unity through those contemporary Chinese youth." -- Yu Dan, associate professor with Beijing Normal University and the most popular TV lecturer on the Analects of Confucius in Chinese mainland
Zheng Yuanjie
"The post-80s generation became a major force behind the disaster relief work. They have saved thousands of lives. There is nothing more meaningful than saving lives in this world." -- Zheng Yuanjie, a children's literature author
Cao Ying
"The devastating quake makes them grow up and learn lessons. A young and vigorous China is emerging; the power of China's new generation citizens is showing itself to the world." -- Cao Ying, TV hostess and actress
"We Are Young" TV Program
"They are a major force behind relief work-soldiers; rescuers; volunteers; blood donors...They are redefining themselves." -- "We Are Young," a special quake relief TV program with Hunan TV
Y Weekend
"Since the post-80s generation has shown new momentum after the quake, the whole of society starts a reexamination and reassessment on them. What they did will be remembered by the country." -- Y Weekend, a Beijing-based youth magazine
They belong to the first generation born under the one-child policy that came into effect about 30 years ago. Today the children of the post-80s generation are aged between 20-28 and lead independent lives.

The 8.0-magnitude earthquake on May 12 in Sichuan Province threw them into the gravest of danger, and exposed them without warning to a harsh side of life. But they rose to the occasion magnificently to become a major force behind disaster relief work. Their selflessness and tenacity won them several admirers from their parents' generation, even if it meant losing their innocence the hard way.
Tan Weiwei: a Real 'Super Girl'
Tan came to national fame in the summer of 2006 after winning second place in 'Super Girl,' a nationwide singing competition. Between May 12 and May 28, she stayed at the scene of the disaster relief work for 16 days. "Facing such disaster, I'm not the singer Tan Weiwei, just an ordinary Sichuan girl who is willing to help her hometown as best as she can," said Tan
A Bittersweet Age
The 'Me Generation'
Absolute Beginners
Being Myself
Growing Up Is Hard to Do
Li Yue: a Hero Forever
Li worked as a pilot and finished 11 aviation missions to the worst quake-damaged areas, between May 12 and May 30. Unfortunately, bad weather caused the Mi-171 military transport helicopter that Li co-piloted to crash in mountains on May 31
He Xiang: a Brave Heart
Born in 1986, He chose to return to her hometown as a college-graduate village official after graduation. She insisted on working despite suffered from a leg fracture during the quake
Yue Liuhui: an Iron Rose
At 3:50 p.m. on May 15, 2008, rescue workers and onlookers at a collapsed residential building site in Hehuachi Market of Dujiangyan City burst into applause as Yue Liuhui, 22, was finally pulled out of the rubble. "I am so happy now because I'm still alive. I really appreciate you coming here and saving me," said Yue
Tang Hong: an Angelic Teacher
Tang, 26, was rehearsing with her class for a dance show, part of the upcoming Children's Festival, at the Central Primary School of Hongbai Township in Shifang City, when the quake struck. During her last moments, she was holding three students tight in her arms, crouching in a corner of the classroom
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