A special bond exists between Xia Yifan, 14, and her school that will not be weakened by the passing of time or diminished by the challenges she and her classmates face in the years and decades to come.

Now in her third year at the Middle School of Suiling Forestry Bureau, Yifan has been taught far more than what appears in books or on the blackboard and in many ways has been an educator herself.

Yifan was born in Suihua, a city in Heilongjiang province, with congenital spina bifida, hydrocephalus (fluid on the brain) and a cleft palate.

"I was young when I gave birth," recalled Liu Yanbo, Yifan's mother. "But both her father and I are optimistic. We hope to give her a life rich in possibilities."

The hydrocephalus was treated and the cleft palate was operated on. The spina bifida means she is unable to walk or control bodily functions.

By the time she reached school age, Yifan saw other children going to school and was determined to be part of their group, her mother said.

At 7 years old, Yifan enrolled at the Primary School of Suiling Forestry Bureau. Xia Jianguo, Yifan's father, made a special chair for her.

Ning Fengyan, the class adviser for Yifan, said: "Before I entered the class for the first time, I only knew there was a special student. But when I saw Xia Yifan, I found it was more serious than I imagined."

Some pupils and parents complained and wanted to change classes, but Ning refused to let Yifan feel isolated, so she quickly established a class theme of "unity, love and helping each other".

"The students finally changed their outlook. As they grew, they gave Yifan more and more love and care," said Ning.

Six years later and with graduation nearing, her 32 classmates remained united and a letter was written to the headmaster.

"We don't want to leave Xia Yifan. We can't trust others to look after her. So we hope we can be in the same class as before when we enter junior middle school," it said.

Headmaster Zhou Jiyun granted the request.

"I was familiar with Xia Yifan's situation before she entered our school. We were moved by her strong will and optimism," Zhou said.

"On the opening day of the junior middle school, when I saw the lovely smile on Xia Yifan's face, I said to myself, maybe I can't do much for her, but I will try my best to keep that smile on her face," said Zhao Dongmei, her class adviser when Yifan entered junior middle school.

There is an unwritten rule in the class. When students go out to have a PE class, a student stays in the classroom with Yifan.

"We don't want Yifan to feel lonely because she can't join in the PE class," said classmateZhang Xinyu.

"Although I can't walk like the others, the 32 lovely classmates are just like my wings. They bring me freedom," said Yifan.

"When we have to go on different paths one day, I hope we keep in touch. I will never forget any of them."

zhouhuiying@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily USA 10/08/2014 page5)