The Class of '77: How My Classmates Changed China

In 1977, China was a very different place than it is today. The country was still reeling from the effects of the Cultural Revolution, and the economy was in shambles. But that year, something happened that would change China forever: the resumption of the university entrance exam.

The Class of ‘77: How My Classmates Changed China

by Paul Flint

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1121 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	218 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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For the first time in over a decade, young people were able to compete for a spot in a university. And for the first time, the exam was open to all students, regardless of their social class or political background. As a result, the class of '77 was a diverse group of students from all walks of life.

I was one of the lucky students who was admitted to university in 1977. I studied journalism at Peking University, and I was immediately struck by the intelligence and passion of my classmates. They were all eager to learn, and they were all determined to make a difference in the world.

The class of '77 was a microcosm of China at the time. We were all full of hope and ambition, and we all believed that we could help to build a better future for our country. And we did.

In the years since graduation, my classmates have gone on to become some of the most successful and influential people in China. They are leaders in business, government, academia, and the arts. They have helped to shape China's economic, social, and political development.

Here are just a few examples of what my classmates have accomplished:

• One of my classmates, Li Keqiang, is the current Premier of China.
• Another classmate, Wang Qishan, is the former head of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, China's top anti-corruption agency.
• A third classmate, Ren Zhengfei, is the founder and CEO of Huawei, one of the world's largest telecommunications companies.
• A fourth classmate, Zhang Yimou, is a world-renowned film director.

These are just a few examples of the many ways that the class of '77 has changed China. We are a generation of leaders who have helped to transform our country into a global economic powerhouse. We are a generation of reformers who have helped to create a more open and just society. And we are a generation of dreamers who have helped to build a better future for all Chinese people.

I am proud to be a member of the class of '77. We are a generation that has changed China, and we are not finished yet.

The Class of ‘77: How My Classmates Changed China

by Paul Flint

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1121 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	218 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE