BEIJING, June 7 -- For students sitting the national college entrance examination, which starts from Saturday, they are at the crossroads of their life no matter how well they do.

    China is a nation with a long tradition of holding in esteem education, higher education in particular. In ancient times, good education plus good scores in imperial examinations meant opening of the gate to the hierarchical ladder.

    Beyond the pragmatic concerns was a social respect for intellectuals, who were believed to be more intelligent and knew better how to tackle life's problems.

    Believe it or not, most Chinese have such a sense of respect for intellect and knowledge in their sub-consciousness when they push their children to study hard in the hopes that they may enter a prestigious institution of higher learning.

    But it is undeniable that pragmatism has started to prevail in recent years. Most parents and students face the reality that the wrong choice of a university or even a specialization would make it difficult to land a job after graduation.

    This year's examination comes in the wake of the most devastating earthquake in three decades. It must be the hope of most parents that their children will not be affected by it and that they will concentrate on the exam.

    Of course, there is nothing wrong with parents to think that way, and how well students do in the exam, will have a bearing on their future.

    But if both parents and students are to learn something from this quake, it should be to sit the exam with the right attitude and accept the results whether good or bad.

    It is impossible for everyone to enter prestigious universities, and some may not even qualify. But that is by no means an end to a bright future.

    Think of the fragility of life in a quake and the anger of nature. Both parents and students may gain some strength from it - never be carried away by success and never be crestfallen for failure.

    There are many examples of how some, who have never studied in universities, are quite successful in their careers. One thing in common for them is never to give up whatever they pursue.

    As long as one cherishes the value of life, never give up in whatever one pursues. There is always a chance for success. Take the exam seriously, but never regard it as the only path to a successful career.

    (Source: China Daily)