In 2008 a 11-year-old girl was buried under the the rubble of the Beichuan primary school building, following the devastating Sichuan earthquake.
Brave Huang Meihua struggled her way to safety and was discovered by rescuers. Sadly, the severity of her injuries resulted in the amputation of both of her legs.
She was given the chance to study at an international school after administrators there they caught wind of Huang’s tragic story.
Her injuries did not stop her from working hard and topping her class in English, a subject she had trouble with at first
Huang initially found English to be difficult, but rose to the top of her class through hard work and determination.
Her dream, after being lifted to safety by a helicopter after the earthquake, was to learn how to fly herself.
Now, aged 18, Huang’s dreams have come true — she has received an offer for a flying course from The Aviation Academy in Vancouver, Canada according to the Shanghaiist.
In fact, the recruiters from the academy even came down to see her personally and make her the offer.
Huang believes in being prepared, and trains for the upcoming flying lessons in February.
Her experiences and the kindness shown to her by her neighbours and strangers have led her to be heavily involved in local charity work.
Huang volunteers as a teacher at a local primary school, stating that, “The environment and the students there hold a strong attachment for me. I hope I can be a positive influence for the kids”.
Besides being involved in charity work, Huang broadens her scope of expertise with musical instruments.
Besides helping out the local community, Huang also travels across China to cities such as Beijing, Dalian and Zhengzhou to give talks about her experience.
Huang will go start her three-week flying course in Vancouver in February 2016. Her lessons will include the basics of aviation and 10 hours of flight time with a coach before an in-depth evaluation on her ability to fly solo.
She remains resolute in completing this dream of hers, stating that “Many people have their own dreams, and there are many things worth fighting for in life.”
Huang, without a doubt, is an inspiration to all — young and old!
theAsianparent wishes her all the best! Share your thoughts on this story in a comment below.