From Security Guard to University Lecture

A high­school dropout who taught himself while working to pay off family debts has made national headlines after graduating with a doctor's degree and landing a teaching job at a university.

Li Mingyong attributed his success to not being afraid to lose, and a determination to hit his target.

Born in a remote village, Li Mingyong had to quit school at age 16 after his family members fell ill—despite always being in the top three of his class.

In 1999, Li worked as a security guard at Guizhou Education University, and influenced by the campus atmosphere, decided to continue his studies.

For about two years, he found time to study during school hours and continued after 11: 30 pm.He was admitted to an associate degree course, which did not require full­time study, taking the Higher Education Examinations for Self­taught Adults.

  He was admitted to a bachelor's degree course two years later. And in 2007, Li was admitted to a master's programme, working part time as a tutor to support himself.

In 2015, he was admitted to a doctorate programme, and graduated this summer. He chose to go back to Guizhou Education University, where his destiny was changed, to teach in the School of Culture and Media.