Li Qi, 23, Zhao's friend, said: "We are members of a big family, people helped them after school. We all would talk with "our father", he encouraged them to study hard. Even though he did not graduate from high school, he guided me to improve myself," Li said.

Thanks to the support of the teachers and students, Zhao applied for a scholarship and student loan. He was honored as "Self-improvement Star in Chinese Undergraduates" and "Outstanding Youth League Member of Henan Province" in 2016.

"Zhao's story influences the people around. The tradition of Xiao, or filial piety, has existed in China for thousands of years, it is a core tenet of Confucianism, it effects Chinese public life in ancient times, while it also plays a key role for nowadays education." Duan Wenjie, vice-Party secretary of School of Materials Science and Engineering in Henan University Science and Technology.

"In recent years, with the support of the Ministry of Education, more and more disabled students have been admitted to the university. Learning to love and to share are also important lessons for the graduates," Duan added.