Latest news with #HuangHuaquan
Independent Singapore
2 days ago
- Health
- Independent Singapore
Legless Chinese shoemaker impresses public with English fluency, dreams of delivering speech at Harvard
Freepik/drobotdean CHINA: In the crowded and buzzing streets of Heyuan, Guangdong province, a 44-year-old shoemaker without legs is rousing China with his extraordinary account of determination, self-learning, and imaginings that reach all the way to Harvard. According to a recent South China Morning Post (SCMP) report, Huang Huaquan lost both legs in a heart-rending accident when he was six, hit by a truck at a countryside market. Compelled to leave school after primary education due to his infirmity, Huang didn't give up on acquiring knowledge and continued learning. Obsessed with the English language, he rented or borrowed old schoolbooks and taught himself through radio programs and cassette tapes. Notwithstanding physical challenges, Huang became a lauded incapacitated bodybuilder, winning gold awards at provincial sports events. But for almost a decade, his concentration has shifted to mending shoes and fixing umbrellas on the street, a low-key but honest trade that permitted him to purchase both a car and an apartment. 'What doesn't kill me makes me stronger,' Huang said. 'Many things take more effort for me, but I still have my hands—and my will.' Ridiculed by many for studying English in his free time, Huang vigorously continued with much determination and persistence. In 2024, he published a book and launched video lessons in spoken English, sharing his diligently gained methods with others. Today, he has a new goal: to be on one of the world's most respected podiums and share his narrative at Harvard University. 'If I ever get the chance, I'll speak about how an ordinary man used his hands to climb out of darkness and find a glimmer of light,' he said. 'Even if my story helps just one person, it's worth it.' His story has already caught the attention of the Harvard Alumni Association in Beijing. Xu Liang, head of the association, is initiating an event where Huang could speak to hundreds of graduates. Discussions are also in progress to see if he might one day address the university itself. 'I deeply admire his determination and his dignity in facing life's hardships,' Xu said in a video compliment. See also Marvel's first Chinese superhero Shang-Chi gets China excited Still unattached, Huang dreams not only of Harvard but of one day getting married and starting a family. 'It won't be easy,' he admits. 'But I must be strong and capable—so I can support myself and the people I love.'
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- General
- Hindustan Times
Chinese cobbler with no legs learns English from radio, shares Harvard dream: 'I believe I can...'
A 44-year-old street cobbler in southern China has become an online sensation for his fluent English and his dream of delivering a speech at Harvard University, despite having lost both legs in childhood, reported the South China Morning Post. Huang Huaquan, from a village in Heyuan, Guangdong province, had his legs amputated after he was hit by a truck at a rural market when he was just six years old, according to Beijing News. Following the accident, he had to stop school after completing primary education. Despite his disability, Huang developed a passion for English from a young age. He borrowed old textbooks from friends and taught himself using cassette tapes and radio broadcasts. Over the years, his dedication has paid off. A former gold medallist in a provincial weightlifting competition for disabled athletes, Huang has spent the last nine years repairing shoes and umbrellas on the street to make a living. Through this work, he has managed to buy a car and a flat. 'What does not kill me makes me stronger. This is the perfect illustration of my life,' Huang said. Also read: Trump biographer's bombshell claim on why US President hates Harvard: 'He didn't get…' He shared that tasks which may be simple for others take him far more effort. 'For many things that able-bodied people can do easily, I need to expend a lot of effort. But I believe I can make it, because I still have my hands,' he said. Although his neighbours mocked him for learning English in his free time, Huang continued to pursue his goal undeterred. Last year, he published a book and began offering video lessons on conversational English, drawing from his own journey of self-study. 'If I have the chance to give a speech, I will talk about an ordinary person who uses his hands to climb out of the mire and grabs a chink of light in his life,' Huang said. 'If my humble story can bring power to even only one individual, I will still try my best to tell it,' he added. His story reached the Harvard Alumni Association in Beijing, where Xu Liang, the association's head, is now in contact with the university to explore the possibility of inviting Huang to speak. Xu also connected with Huang online and said his team is organising an event in the capital where Huang will be able to speak to hundreds of alumni. 'I admire Huang Huaquan because he has been persistent in following his dream, along with his noble spirit in facing the adversity in his life,' Xu said in a video message. Huang, who is single, hopes to marry and start a family someday, according to Southern Metropolis News. 'It is perhaps difficult for me to achieve this goal,' he admitted. 'I am a seriously disabled person. If I do not work hard, life will be harder for me. I have to make myself strong and excellent enough, so that I have the ability to support myself and my family.' Also read: Indian YouTuber Malik Swashbuckler sparks fury with vile comments on Turkish women, deletes videos after backlash
South China Morning Post
3 days ago
- Health
- South China Morning Post
China cobbler with no legs learns English through radio, dreams of making Harvard speech
A street cobbler in China with no legs has impressed the mainland public with his fluent English and his dream of one day delivering a speech at Harvard University. Advertisement The Huang Huaquan, 44, had his legs amputated after he was knocked down by a lorry at a rural market when he was six years old, the Beijing News reported. Huang, from a village in Heyuan, Guangdong province in the southern part of China, halted his education as a result of his condition after graduating from primary school. Seriously disabled Huang Huaquan has to use his hands to move around. Photo: bjnews He has been interested in English since childhood, and borrowed old textbooks from friends, teaching himself with the help of cassettes and radio. Huang is a former disabled weightlifting athlete and has won a gold medal, among others, at the Guangdong provincial disabled people's sports event in the past. For the past nine years, he has been earning a living repairing shoes and umbrellas on the street. He has managed to buy a car and a flat as a result. Advertisement 'What does not kill me makes me stronger. This is the perfect illustration of my life,' Huang was quoted as saying.
