In the cartoon, a college student is sitting seriously in front of a laptop, selecting his next terms' courses. He “smartly” divides the courses into two groups: those offering cutting-edge knowledge, inspiring innovation, but requiring hard work, and those with little academic pressure and an easy high-score pass. The cartoon reflects a common phenomenon among today's college students, which is actually against the purpose of our course selection system.

Why does this happen? It can be mainly attributed to a social climate which puts too much emphasis on “ utility”. The current achievement assessment system in colleges which takes credits as the only indicator is also responsible for the phenomenon. However, neither of them is the excuse for students to shrink back from demanding courses and choose easy ones. Avoiding demanding courses will prevent them from building knowledge hierarchy and improving personal competence. Further, as the youth are the hope of a country, that will make our goal of constructing an innovative nation remain a remote dream.

To solve the problem is not an overnight affair, but a long process of concerted efforts, First of all, students should put personal development high on the agenda, striving to be a man of courage, capabilities and responsibilities. Besides, colleges should diversify assessment standards and motivate teachers to deliver knowledge in interesting and illuminating ways. Meanwhile, a new tendency of daring to challenge and innovate should be cultivated. We sincerely believe that the Chinese dream of achieving great rejuvenation will surely be realized by the youth with the joint efforts.