Zhou Dexing's story is published by Xiamen Evening News on June 8, 2019. [Photo: Screenshot]

Zhou Dexin, a 51-year-old security guard(保安 bǎo'ān) at Xiamen University, received his Bachelor's degree in law after five years of part-time studying(学习 xuéxí).

Zhou, a retired soldier(退伍兵 tuìwǔ bīng) from southwest China’s Chongqing, dreamed of becoming a lawyer(律师 lǜshī) when he was young but studied fashion design at a vocational middle school. In 2013, Zhou Dexin became a security guard at Xiamen University. The school of continuing education(继续教育 jìxù jiàoyù) began offering night classes(夜校 yèxiào) and reduced tuition(学费 xuéfèi) for staff members in 2014. Zhou's dream of being a lawyer was reignited.

Zhou Dexing's story is published by Xiamen Evening News on June 8, 2019. [Photo: Screenshot]

Over the past five years, Zhou studied during the day and worked at night, and passed(通过 tōngguò) the exams(考试 kǎoshì) for over 40 courses(课程 kèchéng).

After completing his graduation thesis(毕业论文 bìyè lùnwén), he received a bachelor's degree(学位 xuéwèi) in law. Of the 38 students in his class, Zhou was one of only two to earn(获得 huòdé) a Bachelor's degree.

重点词汇 Key Word:

获 <动词 v.>

• Capture; catch
  E.g. Bǔhuò de yú lǐ yǒu yītiáo zhòng yú 18 qiānkè.
  捕获的鱼里有一条重逾18千克。
  The catch included one fish over 18kg.

• Obtain; win
  E.g. Tā yīn zài xiào biǎoxiàn hǎo ér huòjiǎng.
  他因在校表现好而获奖。
  He won a prize for good behaviour at school.

• Harvest; reap
  E.g. Yǒule míngqì jiù róngyì shōuhuò àiqíng hé jīnqián.
  有了名气就容易收获爱情和金钱。
  Fame can be a shortcut to love and money.