“72, 96, 1000, 5, 40.” These numbers can outline a warm story at Donghai Secondary Specialized School in Lianyungang City, Jiangsu Province.
There are 72 steps from the dormitory and then another 96 steps to the classroom. The distance measures about 1,000 meters and it usually takes five minutes for a health student to walk between the buildings. But for Pan Zhihao, a student of 2018 cohort in computer sciences, he needs to walk for at least 40 minutes because of his spine and pelvis conditions.
Since he was a fourth grader at elementary school, Pan’s legs bended inward, and there was no improvement despite treatments at many hospitals. Now, because of the spine and pelvic distortions, he can't walk upright and has to go to Beijing every half a year for treatment.
Pan Zhihao (right front) with fellow students
In September last year, Pan began the study at the Donghai Secondary Specialized School, where teachers and students decided to offer a helping hand so he can complete his studies. The school’s vice headmaster Meng Fanhua said the 32 male students in his cohort formed 12 groups and took turns to help Pan.
Chen Kehao lives next to Pan's room and often helps Pan to go to the classroom in the morning. With the help of student volunteers like Chen, Pan has never been late for a class. He wrote that "I wish that in the future I will not be disturbed by life, and maintain a kind and happy heart."
