What would you do if you knew that one of your classmates was living with an incurable condition rendering them unable to walk? If you were 18-year-old Xie Xu of Daxu High School in Xuzhou, China, you wouldn’t hesitate to lend a helping hand — or more accurately, a helping body.
When Zhang Chi came to the school three years ago, he was suffering from muscular atrophy. This disease left him unable to get around the campus by himself.
Soon, Xie started ferrying him around, carrying him piggy-back to where he needed to be. He brings Zhang back to his dorm after classes and helps him wash his clothes, and even brings him to the cafeteria for meals.
Xie and Zhang have been doing this for three years. Now third-year students, they’re also excelling academically, and have been top students for all three years.
Xie’s helpful attitude has rubbed off on the other students, too, who are also happy to help Zhang when he needs it.
The teachers and administration have noticed, too. “The story of the two students is so inspiring and touching,” says headmaster Guo Chunxi. “They aren’t family, but [Xie] has been doing this for three years. He’s the most beautiful student. He also exerts positive influence on other students, who readily help Zhang. With their assistance, Zhang has never missed out on one single class.”
What’s next for Zhang and Xie? Xie has his sights on the Nanjing Polytechnic Institute, and Zhang is preparing to sit for the gaokao, or intensive college entrance exams. Their fellow students — and the world — have been cheering them on and wishing them the best. Whatever their future may bring, these two friends have certainly touched the world with their kindness and dedication.
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