Growing up in a country as big，complex and fast growing as China is not easy。China's young people have to simultaneously deal with generational differences and new opportunities never imagined by their parents and grandparents，who，nevertheless，burden their children with sometimes，unrealistic expectations。
Doris has an uncommon affinity with China's young people and their need to sort out their feelings and expectations。She combines her own experience of sometimes difficult days as a student with the experience she gained talking to and with young people in many countries around the world。As a mother and grandmother she knows how difficult it is to keep a balance among love and discipline，guidance and freedom。
I read many of the letters she gets from students，parents and teachers，who have read her columns in China Youth Daily。It is clear that Doris is nourishing emotional and intellectual needs。Many want to be her friends，are asking for specific advice，or share their worries and hopes with her。I was particularly touched by a letter one student wrote to her：“My life is like a strange circle from beginning to end。I feel as if someone is directing and controlling me。So I have always been looking for a spiritual teacher。When I read your column I knew I had finally found what I was looking for。”
Not all readers of course feel such a strong connection with Doris，but all the letters she receives are a source of great satisfaction for her devotion and dedication to China's young people。It is wonderful to read the letters she receives and feel that many young people are benefitting from her advice and encouragement。
In this book you will find many topics covered。But sometimes it only takes one sentence to change a life for the better。I am sure you will find“your”sentence in this collection of columns。
John Naisbitt
§§第一章 談談學業 On Study