BAN Lili
Major: Law
Career Goal: Lawyer
Ban Lili, a member of the Hui minority in Xinjiang Province, is the son of an illiterate farmer. His mother’s dying wish was that her sons could receive a good education and create a better life.
“I would like to be a lawyer or judicial functionary to guard justice. I will stick to my target until my dreams come true.”

DENG Lan
Major: Law
Career Goal: Lawyer
From Chengjiao Village in Hunan Province, Deng Lan, a member of the Bai minority, comes from a family of 4 with a yearly income of $147. She believes that her hard work will lighten the burden on her family in the future.
“I have never given up on any chance to enter the university…no matter how poor we are or how difficult it is.”

LIU Mei
Major: Journalism
Career Goal: Journalist
Liu Mei’s family is from a mountainous area called Qingzhen in Guizhou. She won several prizes for her English in high school. Liu Mei plans to use her pen to educate others and tell real stories about political and social issues. She wants to motivate her readers to contribute to society.
“I would like to give my hand to those who need my help.”

YANG Mei
Major: English
Career Goal: English Teacher
Yan Mei is from Heqing County, Yunnan. Her father lost his job and left the area to try and find work. Now her mother is left with the farming while her younger brother tries to finish high school.
“In my hometown, there are lots of children who are interested in English, but they lack opportunities to study. Therefore, I want to be an English teacher with good quality.”

ZHANG Xiao
Major: Financial Management
Career Goal: Accountant
Zhang Xiao’s parents are farmers in Lincang, Yunnan. Her father cannot walk due to a farming accident, so now her mother is the sole provider for Zhang Xiao and her brother. She hopes to become a Certified Public Accountant and to help her hometown by building a new school.
“I hope I can help poor students to fulfill their dreams, and when they grow up they could help others as well.”

CHEN Xiaoli
Major: Financial Management
Career Goal: Financial director
Chen Xiaoli comes from a farming family in Shandong Province. Her grandmother and disabled uncle live together with her father, mother, and brother.
“I will be committed to developing my hometown. I believe that I can work very hard and dare to face the challenges.”

FENG Fenxian
Major: Sociology
Career Goal: English Translator
Feng Fenxian comes from Malong County, one of the poorest areas of Yunnan. Her younger brother dropped out of school to find work, but had to return to farming when he couldn’t find a job. Fenxian is optimistic that her hardworking farmer background will help her to succeed.
“I strongly believe entering university is the best way for me to change the destiny of my family.”

WU Yaoyao
Major: Sociology
Career Goal: Economic Management
Wu Yaoyao comes from a rural part of Hebei Province. Her family is heavily indebted from natural disasters and medical bills. Their only income comes from farming. She has a younger brother in primary school.
“I want to use my knowledge to deal with economic issues. I would like to do research on a disadvantaged group.”

ZHANG Mi
Major: Anti-drug Studies
Career Goal: Lawyer
Zhang Mi, a member of the Bai minority, comes from Taiyi, Yunnan. Her parents and older sister farm and work part-time jobs in order to send Mi, the top student at her high school, to university. She plans to work against drug-trafficking in Yunnan Province.
“I cannot fight against drug smugglers in person, but I can help oppose drug smuggling by law. I believe I will have a bright future.”

ZHANG Xinwu
Major: Archival Science
Career Goal: Develop the economy in his hometown
Zhang Xinwu is from Yulong County, near the famous tourist destination of Lijiang, Yunnan. His family must borrow money to pay for his father’s medical expenses. Xinwu believes that more young people should focus on rural development in order to raise the standard of living in the countryside.
“I would like to be one of those young people with a real sense of commitment to local development.”