Ever scrolled through TikTok or YouTube and stumbled on a video that stops you in your tracks? Say hello to A Quan (@hands_on_heels🙌), the cobbler who turned his challenges into a viral story of grit and hope. 👟✨
A Quan, who runs a tiny stall by the roadside in Guangdong Province in the Chinese mainland, lost his legs in a road accident at just 6 years old. Instead of giving up, he learned to walk on his hands, turning every flip and push-up into a symbol of resilience.
Inspired by Helen Keller's book “Three Days to See”, A Quan dropped vlogs that feel like mini-therapy sessions—showing us how to squeeze joy out of every moment. “Make the most of every sense you have, each one is a gift,” he says, reminding us that it's not our legs but our love for life that keeps us moving.
In a casual video, he joked about dreaming to speak at Harvard. Guess what? His fans made some serious noise, sharing and tagging until Xu Liang, president of the Harvard Alumni Association in Beijing, slid into his DMs. 📩 The result? A jaw-dropping invite: A Quan will address Harvard alumni next month! 🎓
This journey—from stitching soles under the scorching sun to prepping slides for one of the world's most prestigious halls—shows the power of community in the internet age. It's a reminder that big dreams don't need big resources, just a big heart. ❤️
Whether you're hustling through college, grinding that 9-to-5, or launching your own side gig, A Quan's story is the ultimate inspo. If a cobbler can go from street stall to Harvard stage, what's stopping you? 🚀
Reference(s):
A cobbler's journey: From street stall to Harvard alumni talk
cgtn.com
