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].

大家好，我是北京大学历史学系的赵冬梅，这是我第二次来到一席，上一次我用的是北大历史系教授的 身份，但是我这一次来，我是作为泱泱的妈妈来到这儿的。我的题目是——我的儿子跟学校"八字不 合"。 我的儿子今年24岁，他在14岁的时候从初中辍学，最高学历是初中。 这就是我生命中的至暗时刻 我今天主要就是来安慰大家的，用我的悲惨来安慰有类似遭遇的亲爱的家长们。我也曾经在泥淖里，在 黑暗里，那我是怎么走出来的呢？ 首先还不是说我走出来，我要做的第一件事情，得先请我们家的小王子从他的城堡里走出来。最初他开 始闹辍学的时候，他把自己关在房间里。我们家的房子是很小的，我跟他住在同一个屋檐下，但基本上 24小时不打照面，他总是选在我精疲力尽昏昏睡去之后才出来活动。 进了院门，走几步向左转，就能看见我们家的楼了，这个时候我通常脑子里会有一件事情，我在想，那 个楼底下会不会聚集了一堆看热闹的人，或者那个楼底下有没有拉起警戒线。 但是我又想，如果说发生了糟糕的事情，警察早给我打电话了。于是我又继续往前走，还好，我们家楼 底下干干净净的，什么都没有，只有对面幼儿园接孩子的家长在那排队。 这就是我生命中的至暗时刻。 第二天早晨我起来，做好 ...