Pow wow with Premier Wen
- Source: Global Times
- [21:09 February 09 2010]
- Comments
Serve the students! Selected university rep Gao Yuan, senior at Zhengzhou University School of Law Photo: Courtesy of Gao Yuan
By Liu Meng
Gao Yuan was told four days in advance she would be meeting with Premier Wen Jiabao.
"It's still like a dream that I was lucky enough to talk to the Premier and discuss student issues," said Gao, a law senior at Zhengzhou University, Henan Province.
Chosen to represent all university students in China, Gao participated in a conference held at the Zhongnanhai compound on February 1. The meeting aimed to gather information for compiling the next government work report to be released during the Two Sessions in March.
The government summoned citizens representing a cross section of different professions and social groups to offer their advice on the most pressing concerns of everyday Chinese citizens.
Gao was among 10 chosen to attend the meeting, which also included those representing migrant workers, firemen and retired citizens.
"When I found out I was going to be representing all university students, I realized I should switch my line of questions from about my major to issues affecting all students," she said.
Not allowed to publicize what kind of meeting she was to attend, Gao casually interviewed students and friends, listening to the difficulties they are facing.
Gao noted reoccurring issues, such as the complications of students running businesses while in school and the new military conscripting policy on campuses throughout China.
But the most pressing issue on most students' minds is employment after graduation.
"Students around me are always talking about jobs. In my dorm after lights out, my roommates and I go back and forth, "'Will I go to Beijing, Shanghai, or stay in a second-tier city?'" she said.
The day of the meeting, Gao was escorted directly by officials with the Ministry of Education. Here she got a rare and candid peek at Zhongnanhai, the heavily guarded living compound of the Chinese leadership.
"I was really curious, but because its such a stately and serious occasion, I suppressed the urge to run around and look at everything," Gao admits.
"But despite the ceremony it was really peaceful inside. And when I went into Meeting Room No.1, the atmosphere was really relaxed. The other representatives and I got there a little early and were just chatting. It made everything seem less formal," she added.
