Hardship is often an essential part of growth. As the Gaokao approached, a relentless wave of exam papers left us with nowhere to hide. From weekly tests to monthly exams, the frequency was overwhelming. To keep us sharp, teachers constantly organized assessments. During those days, we fought a daily battle against test papers, facing the weight of scores marked in red. For high school seniors, these scores are both a source of intense pressure and a driving force for progress. Despite my experience, I still faced frustrations with complex math problems and minor errors in liberal arts exams. Yet, driven by my dreams, I could only press on, studying relentlessly.
My study habits were highly disciplined. Two weeks before each monthly exam, I would create a detailed schedule to follow step-by-step. Though the process was exhausting, I always rewarded myself after exams—whether through shopping or personal hobbies—to find solace in an otherwise monotonous routine. This psychological strategy of "delayed gratification" helped me find hope and maintain efficiency during the most grueling times.
When the results arrived, the accolades and the immense pressure to choose between prestigious universities like Fudan and Peking University left me conflicted. Ultimately, I chose the greater challenge: Peking University. Although I lingered at the Fudan University booth during the consultation day, destiny led me toward a different horizon.
After the exams, I organized my study materials: stacks of test papers, exercise books filled with notes, math books read multiple times, and even geography maps trimmed to fit in my pocket. These are the witnesses to my struggle. While others only saw my success, only I knew the loneliness of waiting outside a dim classroom or the moments of breakdown when faced with insurmountable challenges. I believe that success isn't something you wait for; it is something you fight for. My journey was built on the "sea of questions" tactic and a continuous cycle of learning and self-reflection.
