Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the journey of a mother, Zhao Dongmei, who navigates the challenges of raising a child who dropped out of school, emphasizing acceptance and understanding rather than traditional academic success [2][40]. Group 1: Background and Initial Challenges - Zhao Dongmei's son dropped out of school at the age of 14, leaving him with only a middle school education [3][22]. - The mother reflects on her darkest moments during her son's withdrawal from school, highlighting feelings of despair and helplessness [4][7]. Group 2: Strategies for Engagement - To reconnect with her son, the mother engaged him in hands-on activities like home improvement projects, which helped ease their communication and emotional tension [9][10]. - After some time, they established a routine of studying together to catch up on missed schoolwork, which initially proved challenging [10][11]. Group 3: Reflection on Education and Perception - The mother questions why her son, despite having many strengths, was labeled as a poor student in school, reflecting on the educational system's shortcomings [12][14]. - She acknowledges her own academic background as a potential barrier to understanding her son's struggles, realizing that her expectations may have contributed to his difficulties [17][18]. Group 4: Alternative Educational Paths - After her son officially dropped out, they explored alternative educational environments, leading him to a vocational preparatory school where he thrived [24][25]. - The mother observed significant growth in her son during this period, as he began to take on leadership roles and engage in meaningful discussions [25][26]. Group 5: Personal Growth and Future Considerations - The mother reflects on her son's experiences in the U.S. education system, where he faced new challenges but also demonstrated resilience and adaptability [30][34]. - Ultimately, the mother comes to terms with the idea that traditional schooling may not be necessary for her son's success, allowing him to choose his own path while emphasizing the importance of continuous learning [35][36][37].

Group 1 - The speaker shares a personal story about her son who dropped out of school at the age of 14, highlighting the struggles faced by both the child and the parent [2][28]. - The initial response to the son's withdrawal involved attempts to engage him in activities that he enjoyed, such as home improvement projects, which helped to improve their relationship [8][10]. - The speaker reflects on the challenges of reintegrating her son into the school system after he had fallen behind academically, emphasizing the emotional toll it took on both of them [11][12]. Group 2 - The speaker discusses the perception of her son as a "poor student" despite his many strengths, including his diligence and leadership qualities, questioning the educational system's ability to recognize diverse talents [15][16]. - The narrative includes experiences of the son being overshadowed by peers who excelled academically, leading to feelings of inadequacy and isolation [18][19]. - The speaker acknowledges her own limitations as a parent, particularly her inability to provide the necessary support for her son in a competitive academic environment [21][22]. Group 3 - After the son officially dropped out, the speaker adapted to this new reality, allowing him to pursue interests like model building and mountain biking, while maintaining a supportive relationship [30][31]. - The decision to enroll him in a non-traditional educational setting led to positive changes, as he began to thrive in a more supportive environment [32][34]. - The speaker's perspective shifted regarding formal education, recognizing that success and learning can occur outside traditional school systems [52][53]. Group 4 - The son faced new challenges when moving to the United States for further education, highlighting the difficulties of adapting to a different educational system and language barriers [38][39]. - The speaker expresses admiration for her son's resilience and ability to navigate complex situations, such as obtaining necessary documentation during the pandemic [46][49]. - Ultimately, the speaker concludes that education is not solely defined by formal schooling, and her son has developed valuable life skills and experiences outside of traditional academic paths [51][56].