College welcomes a student of courage

Closer to his goal

At this year's gaokao, national college entrance exam, Peng scored 530 points, and won a place at Hunan University of Science and Technology in Xiangtan, Hunan, about 50 kilometers from his home.

He applied for a major in robotics engineering, because of his dream to research and develop artificial limbs, which are more advanced and economically accessible.

In China, there are more than 85 million people with various disabilities, including nearly 25 million who are physically challenged like Peng, according to the sixth national population census released in 2010.

"I hope that, one day, I can make prosthetics that will improve their quality of life and break down the barriers to a full life for people like me. Through technology, we can stand up, walk and run in the future," Peng says.

"I am the best tester for prosthetics, because I know what people who have lost limbs need," he adds.

Next month, he will be a freshman and start his campus life without his parents. During the summer vacation which lasts until early September, Peng wants to pass the driver's license exam for people with disabilities.

"I am confident that I can take care of myself and realize my dream step by step," Peng says.