Aiming for a clean sweep in her exams

After her younger son entered junior high school, Huang noticed that he became a bit rebellious and reluctant to study. Therefore, she thought about trying to obtain a college degree through the self-education route and immediately decided to act on the idea.

"I hope that through my own efforts, I can both realize my dream of a college degree and use the experience to encourage my child to never give up on learning," Huang says.

Even though, later, she picked up more part-time jobs, such as that of a domestic helper, Huang still managed to squeeze in the time to study.

The efforts paid off when she passed the tests, the results of which she made it a point to show to her son, to explain that his efforts would be rewarded in the same way.

Huang considers herself lucky, as an increasing number of libraries are available to satisfy the learning needs of people like her.

"There are libraries everywhere in Yuelu district, which makes me feel very grateful," Huang says.

"Seeing that there are so many people around me who enjoy reading in the library as much as I do, I don't feel alone," she adds.

When Huang was reading Chinese writer Yu Hua's To Live, she says she vicariously lived the experiences of the major characters and sometimes burst into tears.

The book embodies the span of four generations of change in China. It blends themes of Taoism, simplicity and the value of family.

She liked it so much that she bought her own copy of it.

"I learned a lot from the book, not only about culture and the way to deal with the world, but also about understanding my own mind and feeling happy," she says.

From novels to prose, the more she reads, the more she feels her life is enriched and happier.

In addition to reading, Huang also writes. Through limericks and modern poetry, she records life and expresses her emotions. She will also stay up late to write.

In one of her poems, she compares autumn to a painter who has gone through life's ups and downs and, while great, is a bit eccentric.

It is one of hundreds of her works that have made their way into many local publications and onto online platforms.

"I'd like to write novels when I retire," she says.

On being questioned by some people online about why she has been pursuing college at her age, she says she didn't want to have any regrets.

"I see learning as a lifelong thing. Everyone has their own sorrow and joy, and reading and writing, to me, is a relief and an indescribable joy," Huang says.

Although there are still 10 subject tests Huang has to pass to get her college degree, she says it only gives her more incentive to study.

"It's a long way to go, but I've made plans and I'm ready to reach my dream," she says.