Few question that Zhang Fei is of above-average intelligence. The Sichuan native has earned outstanding NCEE (National College Entrance Examinations) scores each of the three times he has taken the test and been admitted to China’s top schools — Beijing University and Qinghua University.

But his Internet addiction* has made it impossible for the 24-year-old to perform to his full potential* while enrolled* in university, and he has been forced to drop out twice because of his poor academic* performance.

Zhang’s story has captured media attention throughout the country and sparked a heated debate about how Internet addiction can harm students.

“He is a gifted student, plain and simple,” says Zhang Fei’s class advisor at the Sichuan Nanchong No. 11 Middle School, Zhang Zhengfei.

“But he does grapple* with some serious challenges, such as an addiction to the Internet and computer games,” the biology teacher explains.

Zhang Fei first enrolled in Beijing University in 2003. Rather than studying hard, the young student immersed* himself in the Internet. Consequently, he failed nearly half of the 18 courses he was taking.

So, Zhang returned home in 2004 and prepared to take the exam again the following year.

This time, his score ranked No. 1 in the city, and he was admitted to the prestigious Qinghua University.

But Zhang relapsed*, and his addiction to computer games again caused him to perform poorly.

This February, he made the decision to leave Qinghua after failing five courses.

Last month, he took the exam again and was readmitted to Qinghua University.

Zhang Zhenfei says his talented student has trouble getting along with others. “He needs help; he needs a mentor* who can step into his inner world to help him design goals for his life and inspire him to live up to his potential.”

Zhang Fei admitted that while he was enrolled in university, he lost his goal in life. As a result, he had to seek a sense of satisfaction from Internet games.

But he promised that he would give up his Internet addiction and concentrate on his studies. “My parents have sacrificed* too much for me. They are my driving force*. I have hurt their hearts over and over again. This time, I won’t let them down,” Zhang said, adding that he hopes young people can learn a lesson from him and not let computer games ruin their lives.

(SD-Agencies)