Hard work pays off
There was a time when Guo was doubted and laughed at by students and their parents.
When he walked into the classroom of the primary school in his hometown 20 years ago, students burst out laughing and even teased him. The parents of the students questioned whether the handicapped man was capable of teaching.
To prove himself and win back his dignity, Guo used all his time to prepare for classes and learned from his father, who had been a teacher many years ago. By the end of the semester, the grades of Guo's students had been increased by three points, which convinced the parents that he could be a good teacher.
Gradually, students began to accept him, and even the naughty ones began to like the teacher. Soon they started helping Guo climb onto the stool, and invited him home for simple meals.
Happy is the last word
In 20 years, Guo has taught in four different primary schools, all of them in small villages. But he loves his job, he says.
He has never married, saying that his salary of 540 yuan ($84.6) would not be enough to raise a family. Instead he devotes all of his attention to his students.
"I used to have a girlfriend, but with my salary I couldn't even buy her a pair of shoes," said Guo. "Only if I am single can I pay all of my attention to the students, and their parents can leave them to me confidently."
On September 19, a phone call from the Weixian county government changed everything, however.
Due to media reports, Guo's story has been widely spread, and the county government asked him to teach in a school in the county. But the good news did not make Guo smile.
"It is complicated," said Guo. "I know that teaching in the county will be better, but the students here need me," he added, saying he doesn't want to leave the kids in the village.
After hearing that Guo would soon leave, all the kids cried in the classroom. "I do not know what will happen to the kids after I leave. It is cruel to think of it," sobbed Guo.
