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Zoey Zhang

A student in eastern China has earned plaudits online after he missed a crucial exam to save his classmate’s life and says he has no regrets for doing so.
On May 10, Jiang Zhaopeng, an 18-year-old student from eastern Shandong province, was on his way to the national vocational entrance exam with a classmate.
Soon after getting into their ride-hailing car, the classmate suffered a heart attack and lost consciousness after kicking the seat in distress.
Jiang immediately began cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, urging the driver, Wang Tao, to head straight to the nearest hospital.

Wang comforted Jiang and alerted the traffic police. With their permission, he ran six red lights and reached the hospital in just seven minutes.
According to mainland reports, the classmate’s heart had stopped for nearly 30 minutes before doctors managed to restore a heartbeat after emergency treatment.
After making sure his classmate was in a stable condition, Jiang reported the incident to his school and rushed to the exam venue.
However, the delay caused him to miss the Chinese language section of the test.
Known as the Spring Gaokao, China’s vocational entrance exam is held annually and is a key pathway to vocational colleges.

It is considered the most important test after the national college entrance exam in June, the Gaokao.
Jiang told the mainland media he had no regrets.
“My exam can wait, but my classmate only lives once,” he said.
Jiang studies dental prosthetics at Shandong City Service Technician College and had planned to apply for a medical technology programme through the exam.
He said that he had received formal first aid training as part of his coursework.
“This experience has only strengthened my resolve to pursue medicine,” Jiang added.
As of writing, the classmate remains in hospital and has not commented.
The incident attracted much attention on mainland social media, with related videos surpassing 200 million views.
One netizen said: “Jiang may have missed the test, but he has already scored full marks in life.”
“I salute this kind and selfless young man,” said another.
On May 13, local education officials said that under the current rules, Jiang is not allowed to retake the exam.
However, Jiang’s school said his teachers are in contact with the authorities in the hope of securing a favourable outcome.

Online, many people called for leniency.
“That is heartbreaking. Jiang may have to wait another year or settle for a lower score,” one person wrote.
“The purpose of education is to teach people how to be good. Jiang has shown great character and deserves a second chance,” said another.
Some people pointed out that the no-retake policy exists to prevent cheating.
Others proposed alternative solutions, such as awarding Jiang extra points or allowing universities or companies to make special exceptions in cases like his.
On May 14, the local government honoured Jiang and the driver, Wang, with a Courageous Act Award and a cash prize of 10,000 yuan (US$1,400).


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‘No regrets’: China student saves classmate suffering heart attack, misses key exam

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Hero student says ‘exam can wait’ but current regulations rule out a retake, online observers describe situation as ‘heartbreaking’

Hero student says ‘exam can wait’ but current regulations rule out a retake, online observers describe situation as ‘heartbreaking’