After graduating this summer but failing to find a suitable job, Miao Weifang went back to his hometown in Baoding of Hebei province to work on his farm. His father was so devastated by his decision that he committed suicide. But more worrying than the father's suicide is the changing attitude of many villagers toward education, says an article in Guangzhou Daily. Excerpts:

The maxim "knowledge is power" has encouraged many poor students to study strenuously to get advanced degrees in order to improve their financial and social condition. But a good degree does not necessarily mean a good job.

Miao committed the mistake of looking for jobs that had too many candidates and too few vacancies. Moreover, it is not a tragedy that he had to fall back on farming, for he can make a difference to the vocation by using his knowledge. He could, for example, accomplish great things through scientific farming.

Miao's case is not unique. Many graduates work as butchers, migrant workers and village officials. People with scientific knowledge are potential talents. They can do pioneering work by using their knowledge and change the way society views graduates.

(China Daily 10/23/2012 page9)