From broom to book: the story of a cleaner who got into graduate school
The inspiring story of a university sanitation worker and mother of two who used every spare minute to study and gain admission to a graduate programme has touched hearts across China, with many impressed by how she managed the demands of her busy daily life and motherhood in her pursuit of self improvement. When life is confined to an eight hour workday, and only a couple of hours remain between shifts and household chores, few dare to dream of more. But Li Jia, a 33 year old cleaner at Chengdu University of Technology, proved that even in the tightest circumstances, one can find the strength to push forward. Her journey from broom to lecture hall, from sweeping the campus grounds to gaining admission to the law faculty, is not just a success story. It is a manifesto that age, schedule and life circumstances do not matter if the fire inside you can light the way to new heights.
Every morning at 6:00, while the campus is still wrapped in silence, 33 year old Li Jia puts on her work uniform and begins her rounds at Chengdu University of Technology in Sichuan Province, southwest China. Li initially took the cleaning job because of its stable schedule, which allowed her to care for her young family. But after more than four years of being immersed in the campus atmosphere, she gradually began to entertain the idea of joining the university's student body. "I heard that there are many exam centres near the eastern teaching buildings. Many of the examinees are older than me – they already have grey hair – but they still work hard and make progress. Then I look at myself: my age feels a bit awkward. I'm not exactly young, but I'm not exactly old either. And since I'm not that old, I thought, maybe I should give it another try," Li said.
Working full time and raising two children took up all her time, but last year Li finally decided she wanted to combine work with academic pursuits. To do so, she had to learn to squeeze every spare minute to make the most of her study time. "Once I made that decision, I started turning my hobbies into study time. For example, I love listening to music. Now I use that time to listen to recorded lectures and prepare for the exam," she said. Li had a college education in business English, and although she had not studied for more than a decade, she managed to regain some of her language skills. However, the new academic field she targeted – the university's law faculty – was completely unfamiliar to her.
Nevertheless, she remained determined to achieve her goal. "Sometimes people just need that kind of motivation. If you feel you have to do something, and it's the right decision and the right direction, then just do it. Don't worry too much. Human potential is truly vast; you don't know how great your potential is until you are faced with such a situation," she said. In April this year, her preliminary admission to the law faculty of Chengdu University of Technology was confirmed, a perfect culmination of nearly a year of relentless preparation. For Li, one of the most important reasons for going through this difficult process was her desire to set an example for her children.
In the evenings, she would often sit at the kitchen table next to her two children, studying alongside them while they did their homework. "When I'm reading, my children sometimes ask, 'Mum, you're so grown up, why are you still reading?' I reply, 'Because you can see that even at my age, I haven't stopped learning. Now it's your time to study, and it's better if Mum studies with you. We can grow together,'" she said. Now Li is looking forward to an exciting new chapter: at the start of the new semester in September, she will quit her cleaning job to devote herself fully to her studies.
From broom to books, from sweeping campus streets to earning a place in lecture halls – Li's year of perseverance has brought significant change to her life. She encouraged everyone who also holds hopes and dreams to give their all to make them a reality. "I earn a living working eight hours a day, but I also strive to grow beyond those working hours. None of us should ever give up the pursuit of becoming the best version of ourselves. I think people with dreams are extraordinary, and those who work hard to make their dreams come true are even more remarkable. So never give up on your dreams, and never forget the path you walked to achieve them," she said.
Li's story went viral on Chinese social media, attracting millions of views and comments. Users admire not only her perseverance but also how she managed to balance motherhood, work and study. Many call her a "heroine of our time" and a role model. In China, where the graduate entrance examination system is extremely competitive, Li's admission is particularly noteworthy. According to the Ministry of Education, millions of graduates enter graduate programmes each year, but only a handful come from non academic professions. Li's story also raises questions about social mobility and access to education for working class people. The university she was admitted to has already stated that it is ready to provide her with all the conditions for studying, including a flexible schedule and academic support.
As CCTV+ reports, Li Jia's story is a reminder that education remains one of the most powerful tools for changing one's life, and her journey "from broom to book" has inspired millions across the country, proving that it is never too late to start anew, especially when there are those around you for whom it is worth striving.
