Girl who led blind father begging gets into university

Zhang Yan, who led her blind father begging from the age of 7, has been accepted into the physics teacher training program at Chengdu Normal University.

The student secured a place through a program run by the Department of Education, guaranteeing her a job in her hometown in Nam Giang county, Sichuan province.

"She is the only one in our family to go to university," Zhang's father said.

Zhang lives with her parents, older brother, and three younger sisters. 12 years ago, her father lost his sight but couldn't afford treatment. At the same time, his wife was diagnosed with a mental illness, and their eldest son has intellectual disabilities. Zhang had to resort to begging with her father around the county.

"Some classmates looked at me strangely. Fortunately, the teachers and many classmates were very kind to me," Zhang recalled, adding that there was a time when she felt very self-conscious, always noticing the stares and gossip of others. Later, she realized that the most important thing was for her family to have a good life. She focused on her studies and earned numerous achievements, with certificates of merit displayed throughout their home.

After the student's story was featured on local television, the family received support from many sponsors. They now live in an 80 square meter house and receive government disability benefits. Zhang's younger siblings also receive basic living allowances for those under 18 and attend a nearby school. Her parents run a small grocery stall to supplement their income.

Zhang hopes to become a teacher to have a stable job, support herself, and care for her family. She also wants to help children in mountainous areas escape poverty through education.