It’s never too late to learn. Yesterday, I was deeply touched by an 80-year-old grandpa named Zhou Zongji. He has enrolled in a diploma programme at Sichuan RTVU, majoring in administrative management. He is the oldest RTVU student in China.

At Sichuan RTVU’s Xipu Study Center, every day people see a white-haired old man carrying a cloth bag coming to attend class. This is Zhou Zongji. The 80-year-old has been given a nickname: “learning grandpa”.

Zhou attends RTVU after learning computer skills

Yesterday morning, reporters from Western China Metropolis Daily visited Xipu Study Center. Zhou Zongji was carefully listening to the English teacher and following the English sentences on the blackboard.

Zhou studies hard and never arrives late or leaves earlier than required. He continued to listen carefully to the teacher despite the interview. However, he turned into a different person after class, becoming very talkative.

Zhou has served in the army, worked as a teacher, acted as the deputy head of a hospital and opened his own clinic. He was hospitalized at the beginning of last year. “Now I’m back to good health. I want to finish my memoirs. However, I can’t because I don’t have sufficient education, so I decided to obtain a formal university education.”

Zhou Zongji is fond of writing. As of now, he has written 60,000 words of his memoirs. “I decided to write my memoirs in 2007. People told me that they use computers to write nowadays, so I made up my mind to learn computer skills”, he said.

Today, he is familiar with basic computer skills and has started a blog to put his words online. In addition, he often browses domestic and international news online. “My blog has attracted nearly 1,500 people. I’m very happy with that; it makes me feel young again.” 

“I want to complete my diploma course and finish my memoirs within two years. That is my biggest wish.”

Oldest RTVU student in China

Jia Jingquan, who is in charge of the Xipu Study Center, said that in the beginning they were reluctant to enroll him due to his old age and tried to dissuade him.

However, Zhou Zongji’s insistance on attending school every day greatly moved Jia Jingquan. He decided to let Zhou Zongji attend classes for free. Zhou Zongji has now been admitted to Sichuan RTVU as a diploma programme student.

Jia Jingquan advised Zhou to choose the administrative management programme. “This programme is comparatively easy for him. He can improve his writing skills and doesn’t have to worry about learning math”, Jia Jingquan said.

One of Zhou Zongji’s classmates, Wei Jianjun, told the reporter that Zhou often seeks help from others when he comes up against a problem during his studies.

“Whenever I have a conflict between work and study and want to skip classes, I think of grandpa Zhou. His passion for learning is incredibly encouraging”, Feng Yan, who shares Zhou Zongji’s desk, said.

Support from the whole family

Zhou Zongji is already a grandpa. Yesterday, reporters from Western China Metropolis Daily interviewed his two daughters. They said: “He didn’t tell us what he was doing at first. When we found out, we were surprised and impressed. My father has a really optimistic attitude towards life. He knows exactly what life means to him.” They all support their father’s decision. “As long as he is happy and healthy, we will support him anytime, anywhere.”

Zhou Zongji’s son Zhou Changjiang also supports his father: “My father is happier and healthier than before.”

Zhou Zongji also has the support of his wife Lei Yuhua: “I encourage him to get a diploma and fulfill his dreams.”

“It is said that our later years are the golden age of life. This is the time when people can finally make peace with the people and world around them. Only in our later years can we finally take some quality time for ourselves. I am working hard to write my memoirs, which reflect the values and worldview I have gained over the years.” 

“It’s never too late to learn.” Zhou Zongji repeated these words several times during the interview. “We should greet everyone and everything in our lives with gratitude and without complaint. That is the essence of living.”

From Western China Metropolis Daily