The Rise and Fall of China’s “Harvard Girl”: Liu Yiting’s Story Sparks Debate on Success
For a long time, 43-year-old Liu Yiting was the role model many parents in China used for their children to aspire to. Fresh details have emerged on mainland social media of Liu Yiting’s life as a financial professional in the US, sparking a heated debate about the definition of success.
The Phenomenon of China’s “Harvard Girl”
In 1999, after graduating from the esteemed Chengdu Foreign Languages School in southwestern China’s Sichuan province, Liu Yiting was accepted into Harvard University on a full scholarship. Ivy League universities were hardly known in China during that time, making Liu’s achievement even more remarkable. Her story, as told in her parents’ book titled “Harvard Girl”, became a national sensation, selling over 2 million copies and inspiring Chinese parents to send their children to American universities.
Backlash against “Chicken Blood Parenting”
While Liu’s success story initially fueled a parenting style known as jiwa, or “chicken blood parenting,” in recent years, there has been growing criticism of this extreme approach. The book revealed some controversial methods used by Liu’s parents, including subjecting her to extreme challenges such as touching ice for extended periods to build her resilience. This backlash reflects a shift in the perception of success and highlights the negative consequences of intense academic pressure.
Liu Yiting’s Achievements Post-Harvard
After graduating from Harvard in 2003, Liu Yiting went on to work at reputable organizations such as the Boston Consulting Group and PepsiCo. In 2016, she became the chief operating officer at investment management company Coalescence Partners. She also married a fellow Harvard student, Scott Sambur, who was a partner at a prestigious law firm. However, some people on mainland social media have expressed disappointment that Liu’s achievements are not what they had expected, considering her prestigious educational background.
Rethinking the Definition of Success
Liu Yiting’s choice of lifestyle and career after leaving Harvard has sparked a broader conversation on what success truly means. While some individuals view her path as ordinary and not meeting their high expectations, others argue that success extends beyond material wealth and status. These individuals believe that living a happy and peaceful life and having the freedom to be oneself constitute true success.
The Challenges Faced by Hai Gui
China has sent millions of students overseas to pursue their education, with a significant number of them returning after graduation. However, the job market situation has dramatically changed, with high unemployment rates among young graduates. Many returning overseas students, known as hai gui, now struggle to find job opportunities, and their degrees no longer hold the same advantage they once did, leading to frustration and disappointment.
Shifting Parenting Trends
As more parents witness the negative effects of intense academic pressure on their children’s well-being, there is a growing rejection of the jiwa parenting style. One mother on the social media platform Xiaohongshu shared her experience of her child losing their passion for learning due to excessive parental pressure. This shift reflects a desire among parents to prioritize their children’s happiness and individuality rather than solely focusing on academic achievements.
Analyst comment
Positive news: Liu Yiting’s story sparks debate on the definition of success and rethinking traditional views on achievements.
As an analyst, the market for educational institutions and parenting advice may see changes as more parents prioritize their children’s happiness and individuality over intense academic pressure. There may be a shift in parenting trends towards a more balanced approach, impacting industries related to education and child development. The job market for overseas graduates returning to China may continue to be challenging due to high unemployment rates, leading to frustration and disappointment among them.
