Shanxi teen who lost sight at six headed to university for dual degrees

When Guo Bin was six years old, he lost his sight in a brutal attack. Roughly thirteen years later, the 19-year-old from Shanxi province has achieved a remarkable academic feat. He recently scored 721 out of 800 in China's college entrance exam for students with disabilities, the highest mark among those applying for medical majors.

This fall, he will attend Changchun University to pursue dual degrees in computer science and traditional Chinese medicine. "Darkness took his sight, but never his life," said Zhang Long, vice-principal of Wuhan School for the Blind, who has supported Guo since the incident. "He is like a sunflower, growing toward the light even in adversity."

Guo's mother, Wang Wenli, recalls finding her son covered in blood, barely alive. A life-saving treatment saved his life, but he was left blind. He received an invitation to Wuhan, where he joined a community of blind students and mentors. The warmth of the school convinced him to stay.

Over 12 years, the school and local authorities covered his tuition and living costs, arranged for family employment, and coordinated aid from foundations and online supporters.

Despite the challenges, Guo excelled academically by reading Braille. His efforts earned him scores of 145 in math, 123 in Chinese, 129 in English, and top marks in anatomy, chemistry, and physics. "He explores every question repeatedly and helps classmates patiently," said math teacher Zheng Xiaokun.

Music became his source of joy. Encouraged by Zhang, Guo co-founded Hubei's first blind electric band, VMV, mastering multiple instruments and winning national awards along the way. "Music gave me my happiest childhood," he said.

Guo hopes to return to Wuhan School for the Blind as a teacher, to guide visually impaired children and pass on the light of knowledge and hope.