Every summer, the scorching heat inevitably brings the high school entrance examination (Zhongkao) and the college entrance examination (Gaokao) into the spotlight of public attention. This year, my child is also taking the Zhongkao. Although the competition for education in small cities is not as intense and the importance of the Zhongkao is not as high as that of the Gaokao, we still felt a bit of nervousness on the morning when the results were announced.

Recently, I have received quite a few messages from parents. Some are happily sharing good news, while others are feeling anxious about their children's unsatisfactory grades, even worrying whether this means their child's life has no way forward. In response, I would like to share some personal insights.

First of all, for children with excellent exam results, we should certainly express our congratulations. But for those children whose results are not satisfactory, I want to say that there is no need to be overly pessimistic. Every child is a unique individual with different personality traits and family backgrounds. As parents, we are all constantly exploring how to better educate our children.

However, I have observed that those who continue to make progress after entering society often possess some common traits. These traits are not only important for children but also applicable to us adults.

The reason why these qualities are so important is mainly due to two reasons:

Firstly, the times are constantly changing, and the paths of social advancement have become more diversified. Today’s society has entered the era of personal branding. In the past, aside from entrepreneurship, people's development channels were mainly limited to private enterprises, state-owned enterprises, or the civil service system. These traditional paths mostly set educational qualifications as the entry threshold, making it difficult to showcase one’s talents without the corresponding educational background.

But now it is different. In this era of information explosion, everyone has the opportunity to shine in their respective fields of expertise. Whether showcasing talents through internet platforms or delving deeply into professional fields, opportunities are far more abundant than ever before.

Secondly, life is full of uncertainties, making it difficult to follow a predetermined plan completely. However, if a person possesses the traits shared by successful individuals, their chances of success will greatly increase, regardless of how the world changes.

Therefore, rather than focusing excessively on the temporary exam results, it is better to concentrate on cultivating the core qualities of children. These qualities include self-learning ability, independent thinking, innovative spirit, communication skills, and stress resistance, among others. These traits will help them navigate their future life paths with ease, enabling them to face any challenges calmly.

Overall, while exam results are certainly important, they do not determine a person's entire life. What truly matters is that we help children develop abilities and qualities that will benefit them for a lifetime. Let us look towards a longer-term future, believing that every child has their own unique talents, and as long as they find the right path for themselves, they will surely shine with their own brilliance.