Unsurprisingly Zhou's families and friends thought Zhou was crazy when they learned that he wanted to leave Beida for Beijing Technical College, which he picked because it teaches advanced CNC skills.

"My father was completely opposed to the idea at first and called me many times, hoping that I would change my mind; it was my mother whom I succeeded in persuading and who then helped talk my father around," says Zhou.

With support from his parents, Zhou considered himself one giant step closer to his dream.

"I used to care a lot about others' opinions, but if you have to do things you don't like for a lifetime, you're practically ruined," he said.

Passion reignited, reins taken up, regrets none

In the winter of 2011, Zhou Hao moved from Haidian to Chaoyang and was geared up for a new start.

It was big news for Beijing Technician College, or "earth-shattering", in the words of its deputy Party secretary Yi Zhong. The school put Zhou in a small class and arranged the best tutor for him. Zhou was thrilled with the hands on experience available in the workshop through the dozen or so CNC machines imported from Switzerland.

"I had no relevant experience with CNC before coming here and all my other classmates were already two years ahead of me, so I had to make a big effort to catch up," says Zhou. It didn't take too long for him to become the one of the best students in the school.

Although many companies have sent him job offers, Zhou does not intend to enter the workforce too hastily. "The more I know about CNC, the more I realize there's still a lot about it that I don't know, and I still need time to learn," he says.

Looking back on his decision to quit Beida to study at a technician college, Zhou said he has no regrets at all.

"The technology I'm studying plays a huge role in people's lives and every trade has its master. As long as you're in an area where your interest and specialty lies, great power will be unleashed." 

This article is edited and translated from 弃北大读技校 自定别样人生, source: China Youth Daily.