An 18-year-old Chinese girl recently lost her last living relative as she embarks on her university journey, yet she has declined donations, asking that they be given to others in need.
Zeng Zixuan scored 564 out of 750 on this year’s gaokao, the national higher education entrance exam, and has been admitted to the petroleum engineering programme at Yangtze University.
She chose this university because it is close to her home, allowing her to visit her grandmother frequently.
However, just as Zeng was anticipating a new chapter in her life, her grandmother fell ill and passed away in early July, leaving her an orphan.
Zeng was raised by her grandmother after her parents divorced during her childhood.
Her mother remarried and vanished, while her father moved to Guangdong for work.
Zeng had always worked hard and consistently ranked at the top of her class.
During her senior secondary school years, her father tragically died in an accident, resulting in the loss of the family’s income. Consequently, Zeng and her grandmother relied on government assistance and her school’s subsidy.
Once a cheerful girl, Zeng became withdrawn after her father’s death. Her teacher noticed the change and frequently spoke with her.
Village officials assigned a representative in charge of women’s issues to ensure that Zeng and her grandmother received the support they needed.
Her supervising teacher advised her: “Only by attending a good university can you secure a better future and honour your father and grandmother.”
Two months before the gaokao, Zeng managed to pull herself together and achieve a commendable score.
When tragedy struck again, kind strangers began offering donations through her village government.
In a short span of time, the village accumulated over 60,000 yuan (US$8,800).
Zeng reached out to the village office to halt further donations, expressing: “Thank you, uncles, aunties, brothers, and sisters; your contributions are sufficient for me now.”
She added: “Earning money is not easy, and many others face more challenging circumstances than I do. Please extend your generosity to those who truly need help.”
Zeng noted that the funds she has received are enough to cover her tuition and accommodation expenses. For her living expenses, she intends to take part-time jobs.
The village also offered Zeng a work position suited for a student.
“Life is full of mishaps, but your future will surely be bright,” encouraged one online observer.
“She is a disadvantaged child, but she is fortunate to live in such a supportive time,” remarked another. -- SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST
