A CHAT ABOUT IDEALS

During an inspection tour of northwest China's Shaanxi province in October last year, Xi visited the Zaoyuan campus of Yan'an Middle School, the first middle school established by the CPC.

While chatting with a grade-10 class, Xi asked the students about their ideals and dream careers.

"My answer was that I wanted to be a pharmaceutical chemist," recalled Zhou Yi, one of the students in the class. "I was so inspired when Grandpa Xi called me an 'ambitious young man.' I'll keep my word."

Delighted to hear the students' answers -- which ranged from becoming a doctor to working as an interpreter in diplomatic affairs -- Xi praised them for their clear life goals and lofty aspirations.

Great ideals should be established at an early age, Xi told the students.