A young man in China has gained viral fame after quitting his master's degree to open a street food stall

In a striking narrative that resonates with many youngsters facing academic pressures, 24-year-old Fei Yu has become an internet sensation across mainland social media platforms after leaving his master's degree program at the prestigious Fudan University in Shanghai to pursue a simpler yet fulfilling path of entrepreneurship. Growing up in a financially struggling household in Leshan, Sichuan province, Fei demonstrated sheer determination by excelling academically and graduating first in his class in public health from Sichuan University. His academic success allowed him to gain entry into Fudan University’s graduate program without needing to take an entrance exam. However, after just one term, pressures surrounding academic life took a severe toll on his mental and physical health. Fei has opened up about his experiences with depression, insomnia, and stomach issues, which he attributes partly to the academic pressure and mistreatment he faced in his program. After making the courageous decision to drop out, he spent a year contemplating his future before applying for PhD opportunities in the United States, only to face a setback when funding cuts linked to the Trump administration rescinded his financial aid. In search of a new direction, Fei decided to leverage his childhood experiences of selling balloons and his part-time job skills to launch a mashed potato food stall near Fudan on March 10. His venture has proven remarkably successful, with Fei stating earnings between 700 to 1,000 yuan (approximately $100-140) a day and a steady stream of eager customers often lining up for his food. Despite facing criticism from some who argue he wasted educational resources, Fei staunchly defends his choice: "In my opinion, the result is not so important, but the process is." This holistic view poses a significant challenge to traditional narratives surrounding academia and success, which typically glorify formal education as the benchmark for achievement. Fei’s experience is a reminder of the importance of mental health and individual happiness over societal expectations. Many young adults who resonate with Fei's story applaud his courage to follow a path less trodden, celebrating his entrepreneurial spirit and authenticity. His journey emphasizes the need to reevaluate definitions of success and the importance of pursuing one's passions, even if that path diverges from conventional norms.