Photo: Snapshot of Sina Weibo

As schools start a new semester, millions of students across China are starting their freshman year of college. Among them is Xing Yifan, a young teen with ALS whose high scores has earned him a place in one of China's most reputed universities.  

The freshman from Northeast China's Jilin Province was diagnosed with a type of ALS when he was just 6 months old. Armed with a tenacious will, Xing worked hard to ensure that the disease would not hold him back. With help from his parents, the young boy focused on sharpening his mind and achieving new academic heights. 

Xing was admitted to No. 1 Middle School in Jilin with the highest test scores in the school's history. In 2021, he was admitted to the prestigious Beihang University in Beijing with a high score of 645 points in the gaoka, or college entrance examination.

"I can't think of a reason to hold back. I want to become China's Stephen Hawking," he said.

Helping hand

Due to severe spinal deformity caused by the illness, Xing, who weighs only 18 kilograms, has difficulty with many physical tasks that most people take for granted and so requires help with day to day tasks. Thankfully, a major source of support is his parents, who determined early on that while the disease had deprived their son of the ability to walk, run and jump, it would not deprive him of an education. 

Xing's parents accompanied their son through every class from primary school to high school. The couple rarely even get a good night's rest as they have to wake up every two hours to help their son turn over in bed.

"Every day is a challenge to us… We don't dare to think about the future, but will try to spend each day well," Xing's father said.

As Xing has gotten older, his condition has worsened. 

"I just want to see how far I can go. I want to move forward more," he said. 

On Thursday, Xing, accompanied by his parents, began classes at Beihang University.

Xing's inspirational story touched many Chinese netizens after it began making the rounds on social media.

"Effort can create miracles. Xing and his parents deserve our respect and applause," one Chinese netizen wrote on Sina Weibo.

"Xing Yifan has interpreted the power of optimism and strength for us," another netizen posted.