Dr. Xu, whose research focuses on social mobility and the concept of time inheritance, delivered an engaging and thought-provoking session that encouraged students to look at the concept of time through a new lens.

During her talk, Dr. Xu explained how “time inheritance” — the unequal ways time, opportunities, and pressures are passed across generations — can shape a young person’s educational journey. She shared examples from her recent book The Time Inheritors, showing how time can act as both a resource and a barrier for students navigating school, enrichment activities, and future aspirations.

Students also enjoyed hearing about Dr. Xu’s own academic pathway and her experiences researching at leading universities, including Cambridge and Durham. Dr. Xu’s visit sparked excellent discussions and left students with a deeper understanding of educational inequality, resilience, and the value of reflective thinking. We thank her for an inspiring and insightful session.