19-year-old with DMD enrolls at Shanxi University with electric wheelchair

Nineteen-year-old Zhang Zexin took the gaokao like millions of his peers, and his score won him a place at Shanxi University. On Sept 5, he arrived on campus in his electric wheelchair to complete his enrollment, joining more than 12,000 fellow freshmen.

Zhang was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD)—a genetic disorder that causes progressive muscle degeneration—when he was in the fourth grade. The condition has gradually reduced his mobility, and he now uses a wheelchair. With his family's support, he persisted in his studies and earned a place at Shanxi University.

"I chose the Information and Computing Science major because it is less physically demanding and better suits my physical condition," Zhang noted. "I hope to build solid professional expertise, and in the future, use what I have learned to help people with similar medical conditions."

Zhang has practiced calligraphy since childhood and hopes to join the university's calligraphy club. Looking ahead to campus life, he said he also wants to take part in student club activities to broaden his horizons.

"I feel very fortunate to be studying at Shanxi University," he said. "The university and teachers have made such thoughtful arrangements for me, which fills me with confidence and anticipation for my college life ahead."

To ease his arrival, the university opened a fast-track registration channel, and Zhang was accompanied through enrollment by his mother, Xue Juanjuan, and student volunteers from the School of Mathematics and Statistics. He has been given a ground-floor dormitory room near the building entrance, with an accessible bathroom and grab bars. The school has assigned him an academic advisor and a career counselor to help shape a study plan suited to his needs.

Wang Yanglin, Party secretary of Shanxi University, visited Zhang on registration day to ask about his health and living arrangements and encourage him in his studies.

"I will study hard here and live up to the expectations of people who care about and support me," Zhang said.

Chen Shuo contributed to this story.