XIAMEN, June 9 (Xinhua) -- When freshmen from across China entered Xiamen University five years ago, Zhou Dexin was a security guard at the campus watching the youngsters with envy.

Now he not only has obtained a bachelor's degree, but is pursuing his dream of becoming a lawyer, all at the age of 51.

Zhou has become something of a celebrity due to his diligence and hardworking nature. Over the past five years, he passed over 40 courses and is currently preparing for the national judicial examination.

Born in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, Zhou went to Xiamen in 2004 and worked as a migrant worker before becoming a security guard at the university in 2013.

A year later, Zhou saw his fate change as college of continuing education opened an evening course for its employees.

Having served in the army and studied at a technical school, Zhou always held the dream of becoming a lawyer. For him, the initiative offers the opportunity to turn fantasy into reality.

Zhou began working the night shift and studied in the daytime.

For more than five years, Zhou read nearly 100 legal monographs and passed more than 40 examinations. In June 2019, Zhou was one of only two students that received a bachelor's degree in law among the class of 38.

I'm so proud, receiving my degree proves that all my efforts over the past five years were worth it, Zhou said.

Zhou recently published a book telling his own story. I want to dedicate this book to my alma mater as next year will be the 100th birthday of Xiamen University, Zhou said. It is here that I got the chance to realize my dream.

Zhou currently is still working as a security guard at the university.

After failing in his first attempt, Zhou decided to tackle the national judicial examination for a second time to pursue his dream to be a lawyer.

I will not give up, said Zhou. I believe that as long as you work hard enough, you can achieve anything. I can do it, and so can you.