Against all odds, blind teen earns place among nation's academic elite

Guo Bin, a 19-year-old student from Shanxi province, has ranked first nationwide on China's undergraduate medical entrance track for students with disabilities, scoring 721 out of 800 points to secure admission to a dual-degree program at Changchun University.

Guo, who lost his sight at the age of 6, will matriculate this September in Jilin province to concurrently study traditional Chinese medicine and computer science.

Changchun University approved the dual-degree arrangement following a review of his academic record, which included a 145 out of 150 in mathematics, 123 in Chinese and 129 in English, alongside top marks in anatomy, chemistry and physics.

His performance anchors an academic milestone for the Wuhan School for the Blind, an institution with 177 students. According to school data, all five of its candidates who sat for the undergraduate-track entrance examination this year cleared the university admission threshold.

On the higher vocational track, 11 of 12 candidates qualified for admission, with three students from the school ranking first nationally in their respective specialized categories.

"When I found out I had been admitted, I felt such a relief," Guo said. "I didn't want to let down all my teachers, who have helped me with everything they had."

Because standard graphic data cannot be parsed visually, tactile models are utilized to teach advanced mathematics and geometry. Sighted students analyze geometric shapes via two-dimensional illustrations, whereas blind or partially sighted candidates rely on three-dimensional models to map coordinates, radii and heights before applying algebraic formulas.

For Zhang Long, Wuhan School for the Blind's vice-principal, the results this year were deeply emotional. "The achievement has been built on his hard work and determination far beyond the ordinary," Zhang said.

Beyond his core academic curriculum, Guo has also completed advanced musical training.

Extracurricular training

Guo has found music as a source of relaxation, and a way to build confidence and coordination.

In 2015, at the age of 8, Guo joined a band made up of blind students at the school as its youngest member.

Zhang chose him to play the bass guitar because of his calm personality.

The bass, a low-pitched instrument, provides the rhythm and structure of a song — a role she believed suited Guo well.

Without printed scores to read, Guo learns every piece by listening, touching his teacher's hands, feeling the instruments and memorizing each note until the music becomes muscle memory. Rehearsals often ran from 6 pm to 9 pm, as well as on weekends.

Now, Guo can play several instruments, including the ocarina and bass guitar.

The band has even amassed more than 15,000 followers on short-video platforms.

"Playing music with the band brings me companionship and confidence, and teaches me how to communicate and focus better," Guo said. "It has brought me happiness, and that's what I want to pass on to more people."

Behind his achievements are the combined efforts of his family, school and the wider community.

Over the years, the school and local authorities have covered his tuition and living expenses, helped arrange employment for his family, supported his sister's education, and coordinated assistance from foundations and online supporters.

Guo's family said that the institutional framework provided by the school has been critical to his academic performance.

"We're excited and grateful for his progress," said Wang Wenli, Guo's mother.

Contact the writers at guoyanqi@chinadaily.com.cn