Most university students in China have their sights firmly set on future job and study opportunities in urban cities and abroad. However, a network of student volunteers felt compelled to join the cause of rural development and villager empowerment, reminiscent of efforts promoted forty years ago by Chairman Mao who sent "educated youth" down to the countryside to learn from the villagers. Diane Geng joined a volunteer brigade in Shandong province. She reports here on some of the motivations and methods and the impact of their efforts for "rural reconstruction." (Contains 2 notes.)