Mei Xiucheng graduated from the Beijing Radio and TV University (BJRTVU) in July, 2010 with a specialization in computer network technology. In September, 2010, he enrolled at the BRTVU as an undergraduate majoring in Computer Science and Technology.
Prior to entering the BRTVU, Mei Xiucheng had already secured a respectable, well-paying job at a state-owned enterprise. However, he knew that individuals lacking in ambition and satisfied with the status quo would eventually plateau in terms of ideology and cognition. So, he taught himself mainstream knowledge and ideology in his spare time. Mei Xiucheng was not satisfied with that method’s slow progress. He encountered many problems he did not understand and spent too much time attempting to solve them. It was not nearly efficient enough.
By chance, Mei Xiucheng learnt about BJRTVU and BJRTVU’s concept of lifelong learning, which exactly matched his work experience. In his view, a person must continue learning to adapt to and keep up with the social needs generated by rapid changes and development. The Radio and TV University (RTVU) happened to provide an excellent learning platform. Through face-to-face instruction, online learning, and self-directed learning, it would both solve the time conflicts between overlapping hours of work and study, which could not be changed, as well as help him learn systems of knowledge. In this way, if he encountered questions he did not understand, Mei Xiucheng could go directly to an in-person tutorial. On an average day, he would study by himself after work. Even on business trips, he was worry-free because he could use the RTVU network’s platform to continue learning and exchanging with fellow students and tutors.
Since Mei Xiucheng’s enrollment at BJRTVU, he has set strict standards for himself, willing himself to excellence in all aspects and striving to be an exemplary role model for his fellows. He worked tirelessly, finished assignments and practical tasks in a timely fashion, and significantly improved his performance. He no longer felt confused and gained confidence in his studies. He earned excellent marks in final exams each semester at the RTVU.
Network Practice is a difficult course in the Computer Science major, with hard to understand theoretical concepts and even more challenging hands-on practice. All students have difficulties in the course of this study and many of them lose their confidence in learning. However, Mei Xiucheng overcame all the difficulties by actively engaging in his studies. After consulting his tutors for advice on numerous occasions, he eventually overcame his learning difficulties. At the end of a course practicing computer networking, Mei Xiucheng was first to pass his teacher's test. After the test, he did not immediately leave, but instead offered to help students in need, patiently explaining concepts to them. With the Mei Xiucheng’s help, several students passed the practice test and he was highly praised and appreciated by his teacher.
According to Mei Xiucheng, learning is not about immersing oneself in books, which may easily lead to a subjective and one-sided understanding of knowledge. He attaches great importance to exchanging points of view with his teachers and classmates. Each time he read questions and concerns in the class’s QQ Group, Mei Xiucheng would take the initiative to answer any and all questions he could solve. He also liked to express his opinions on academic issues and share learning methods in the forum. His cognitive process involved exchanges and discussions with the students and teachers. English is a headache for students in Science and Technology. In order to get an academic degree, students must pass the Level-3 English test. Mei Xiucheng actively consulted tutors regarding learning methodology, mastered the main learning points, and made an English study plan:
1. To use commuting time on the subway every morning and evening to listen to tapes of English words, repeating listening so as to solidify word memories and increase vocabulary;
2. At lunch break, to make use of the RTVU’s teaching platform and watch lectures on grammar and other instructional videos by tutors;
3. To dedicate one weekend day to mock examination papers;
4. To ask for tutors’ help with questions and errors during in-person classes.
Eventually, his unremitting efforts resulted in passing the L-3 English test. Afterwards, he delightedly shared his learning process, learning methods, experiences, and learning videos with his classmates, hoping to help his classmates pass the exam.
Nothing is impossible to a willing heart. While studying for his college degree, and during undergraduate programmes with the RTVU, through his own efforts and the guidance of the tutors, Mei Xiucheng successfully earned the Red Bull Scholarship from the BJRTVU, the honorary title of “Excellent Student of the BJRTVU’s Haidian Branch,” an annual scholarship awarded by China Central Radio and TV University (CCRTVU), the title of “Excellent Graduate of BJRTVU,” and “Excellent Graduate of CCRTVU.”
Mei Xiucheng believes that the RTVU is a comprehensive platform which not only passes on professional knowledge and skills to students, but also seamlessly integrates social and life experiences into learning. Many students studying in the RTVUs continue to study after they begin their careers. Classmates all cherish the friendships they make through RTVUs. They organize group activities after class, such as hiking and dinner parties, and take care of each other when someone has difficulty learning. During their undergraduate graduation thesis design, Mei Xiucheng helped Zhang Jiwei, Liang Dong, and other students realize how to develop functions in a software system. Then, together with Zhang Jiwei, he also helped and encouraged Gao Na to complete their thesis design. This excellent learning atmosphere helped Mei Xiucheng understand the importance of communication and interpersonal relationships, as well as the value of unity.
The improved learning conditions at the RTVU gradually helped Mei Xiucheng master computer knowledge. His renewed self-confidence swept away any lingering doubts about failing his college entrance examinations. He earned excellent marks in the subjects of C Language, C #, Java Language, and Databases. Increased confidence and improved capacity helped Mei Xiucheng do an excellent job. His work ability was enhanced as well, which won the appreciation and trust of his company’s leaders.
In order to adapt to international counter-terrorism needs and improve the image and status of the motherland in the international community, the Consular Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), with the approval of the State Council, began developing an electronic passport programme. Mei Xiucheng’s company undertook the construction of the security management system for the electronic passport programme. The company appointed him as the technical manager in charge of the technical side of the project. He helped design the security plan for electronic passport management, in which he put to use both the norms of the International Civil Aviation Organization and programming knowledge obtained through the RTVU. By referring to mainstream knowledge of cryptography and using the concept of combining symmetric and asymmetric encryption algorithms, Mei Xiucheng personally guided employees on the overall security analysis of the electronic passport, its design, and its final coding.
Today's society demands not only professional skills, but, to a large extent, comprehensive capabilities, such as work organizational skills, interpersonal skills, and so on. These abilities are critical to enhancing one’s overall quality. In MOFA’s electronic passport project, Mei Xiucheng was not only responsible for realizing specific technical aspects of the security management system, but also defining the interface and debugging the security management system. In addition, he was responsible for the business model, equipment manufacturers, printer and camera manufacturers, and managing sector employees and assigning them tasks, which all greatly tested his communication and interpersonal skills, as well as his capacity to organize work. He had to constantly discuss how to complete the interface with the business system developers, meanwhile taking into account the technical difficulties presented to various sides and their respective business interests. Relying on knowledge gained through the multi-year process of learning exercises and understanding those exercises at the RTVU, combined with his dedication, he successfully completed the cross-company and cross-sectoral coordination task.
Mei Xiucheng felt honored to participate in such a meaningful project. He worked hard to accomplish its future implementation and maintenance. Advanced and mainstream security encryption technology and security equipment were used to ensure the safety and reliability of the entire project. The Electronic Passport Security Management System, designed and developed under his leadership, won the third-place prize in “Science and technology in Beijing” from the Beijing Municipal People's Government.
Although he had already successfully completed undergraduate studies in the RTVU, Mei Xiucheng was not content with his achievements in study and work. The best thing he gained was that he embraced the RTVU’s concept of lifelong learning. Mei Xiucheng acknowledged that because learning is never-ending, no matter what university he studies at, the knowledge offered is limited. In his view, instead of giving a man a fish, it’s better to teach him to fish. The concept of lifelong learning needs to be put into practice. Learning to use the education network platform to gain knowledge and increase one’s capacity is always important. It’s never too late to learn, to replenish with new technology and advanced thoughts, to enhance one’s comprehensive abilities and qualities to keep up with the times, so as not to be rendered obsolete by the rapid development of society. Mei Xiucheng’s chief aim is to be a useful person to society.