Footless cobbler teaches himself English, dreams of speaking at Harvard

(Dan Tri) - Having lost both legs at the age of 6 after a tragic traffic accident, Chinese shoe repairman Huang Huaquan still perseveres in overcoming his fate.

At the age of 44, Huang Huaquan moved the Chinese online community when he shared his dream of giving a speech at Harvard University (USA). Before that, he had spent many years self-studying English through radio programs.

Huang Huaquan was born and raised in a small village in Heyuan City, Guangdong Province, China. At the age of 6, he was hit by a truck, an accident that caused Huang to lose both of his legs.

Mr. Huang makes a living by repairing shoes and umbrellas on the street (Photo: SCMP).

After finishing primary school, Huang had to drop out of school due to his family's difficult circumstances. Physical problems at the time also made it difficult for him to continue his studies.

However, Mr. Huang soon developed a passion for English. He borrowed old books from friends, studied with cassette tapes, and listened to English-teaching programs on the radio.

Huang perseveres in studying every day as a small joy in a life full of hardships. “There are many things that ordinary people can do very easily, but I have to spend many times more effort to do them. But I believe that I will do them eventually, because I still have my hands,” Huang shared in an interview.

Few people know that Mr. Huang used to be a weightlifter who participated in sports events for the disabled. He won a gold medal at the Guangdong Provincial Para Games.

Mr. Huang used to be a weightlifter (Photo: SCMP).

For many years, he made a living by repairing shoes and umbrellas on the street. Through honest labor, he saved enough money to buy an apartment and a car. This seemed impossible for a disabled person who came from a poor family and did not have the conditions to pursue an education like him.

“What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger. That’s the right saying for me to say about my life,” Huang shared.

When many people ridiculed him for patiently learning English, even though it served no practical purpose in his current life, Mr. Huang did not give up.

Last year, he published a book and opened an online English communication course. In the course, he shares his own self-study method.

“If I have the opportunity to speak somewhere, I will tell the story of an ordinary person, using his own hands to pull himself out of the quagmire, grasping the ray of hope in life.

Even if my little story can only empower one person, I will try my best to tell an inspiring story to them,” said Mr. Huang.

Huang's story has attracted the attention of the Beijing Harvard Alumni Association. Xu Liang, president of the association, said he is contacting Harvard University and suggesting they invite Huang to speak at a school event.

How Mr. Huang moves every day (Photo: SCMP).

While waiting for suitable arrangements, Mr. Xu invited Huang to attend an exchange in Beijing with hundreds of Harvard alumni.

“I admire Mr. Huang for his perseverance in pursuing his dream and his beautiful spiritual life, despite facing adversity,” Mr. Xu shared.

Still single, Huang said he hopes to get married and have children. “I know it will be difficult. I am severely disabled. If I don’t work hard, life will be even more difficult. I have to become stronger and more resilient, so that I can support myself and my family and relatives,” Huang said.

Footless cobbler teaches himself English, dreams of speaking at Harvard ( Video : T-Time HK/Facebook).

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/giao-duc/tho-sua-giay-khong-chan-tu-hoc-tieng-anh-uoc-mo-phat-bieu-tai-harvard-20250602115101269.htm