Xue Minxiu, born in 1936, is now 81 years old and an undergraduate student majoring in E-commerce at Tianjin University. In 2014, Xue registered for the online course at Tianjin University. 

Xue told the reporter that studying at the university had been her dream. In 1957, after she finished her studies in a secondary technical school, she attended the College Entrance Examination (CEE) and was matriculated by Northwest University. However, due to the political chaos of that time, she failed to attend the university. In 2001, when all students were allowed to take the CEE, Xue decided to continue her university study. To prepare for undergraduate courses, she registered for the course of E-commerce at an Open University. 

After that, she considered going to a university for further study. She then attended the CEE in 2013, but failed to meet the minimum admission requirement. In 2004, when she knew that the distance education offered by Tianjin University was no longer subject to a specific time and place, she applied for the online courses at once. 

During these years, she learned English and French by herself. She also managed to use Photoshop to modify pictures. Although Xue was really hardworking, many obstacles stood in her way.  In the first semester, she failed two of her five courses and nearly gave up university. 

However, Xue got up at 5 o’clock every morning and spent most of her time taking courses and reviewing her notes. After three years, she finished almost all the required courses including the graduation thesis. If she passes the computer exam in May this year, she will successfully graduate from Tianjin University. 

Although her major is E-commerce, Xue has no fancy for online shopping or smart phones. Instead, the computer itself is enough to attract her. With distance education to help her, Xue has the confidence to continue her study and to realize her dream.