Using Exams to Drive Learning: High Efficiency, Good Feeling

Recently I have finally found a study method suited to my present self. Because I have embarked on a formal educational program, I inevitably have to take one examination after another; this kind of learning is completely different from reading whatever I pleased before.

I had not studied for an exam in over twenty years; now, past 45, I have unexpectedly returned to the state of studying for exams. At first I resisted this change. An uncle of mine told me that the exam is not the goal; I should adjust my mindset, let exams drive my learning, and focus on self-improvement, and then I would no longer feel this was merely exam-oriented education—and I would come to appreciate its benefits.

To be honest, at first I could not deeply understand what he meant. But after this period of adjustment, gradually entering a state of learning, I now accept his view. When first shifting from one way of life to another, it is indeed hard to adapt; there is some fluster and impatience, and I worried my broken chain of knowledge was too severe for me to keep up. But this period did not last long; once I had mastered new study methods and formed new habits, my mind settled down.

I now love this life: every day I learn something, and I feel fulfilled. I know that improving knowledge and skills cannot be achieved overnight, so I have made long-term plans. Studying at this age brings no economic pressure and no need to worry about future employment; inwardly I am far calmer than I was in youth.

I suffered a good deal in my youth. When I first went to university, I was often hungry. In those days, getting two meals a day counted as doing well; often each meal was just one steamed bun plus a bowl of free soup from the canteen—really rather grim for an adolescent boy. Economic hardship made it hard to study in peace. From the age of eighteen I had to find every way possible to solve my own survival; when a person is hungry, studying is less important than staying alive, so I had to drop out to make a living.

I remain deeply grateful to the three roommates I had at university, because they often shared the food they bought at the canteen with me, or took me to eat at outside street stalls but never let me pay—they always snatched the bill. We were close; seeing that I could not even get enough to eat, they genuinely wanted to help. I was very proud in those days and preferred to stand on my own, but that brotherhood we formed is unforgettable for life.

The past is too painful to revisit; whenever I think of it, I cannot help feeling down. Fortunately, there is always a way out. After striving for more than twenty years, I finally earned my freedom for the second half of life. Thanks to the country's good policies, I can go to university again, and the ambition I failed to realize in youth can be continued—though my loving mother has already, after unsuccessful medical treatment, lain in the earth for twelve years.

Her passing made my resolve to study medicine even firmer than it was at eighteen. Nothing in the world is more precious than life. Medicine can not only extend others' lives but also let us better care for ourselves and our families; those who can settle down to study medicine are fortunate. I hope young medical students will cherish this blessing and not find studying tiring; our learning and research are deeply meaningful.

I am also gradually balancing study, work, and life. I believe that in about another month I will have everything sorted out, able both to ensure my studies are completed to a high standard and to handle my work properly, caring for my patient friends.