Liu feeds mother in the house. [Photo by Hu Hongtao/Provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

However, Huo's situation got worse in 2012; she suffered with cerebral infarction and became paralyzed. Liu then rented a house for her mother to take care of her while going to school nearby.

The teachers organized a donation and formed a volunteer team to help her . Liu also applied for a scholarship at school.

"I told myself that I am not lonely, there are many people around me. I had a strong will to support my family," Liu said. However, it was hard. She added: The toughest time was when I was sick at school."

Now, she works hard to strike a balance to take care of her mother and to teach students.

"I would like to tell my mother what happened in my math class after school, I feel she could hear it sometimes," she said with a smile. "I also buy an electro-tricycle two month ago, taking my mother to go outside."

She often shares the photos with her mother on her WeChat, saying that wherever she is with her mom is home.

"Life is much better than before, I have a job, and my sister has grown up, we have become more strong and confident than before," she added.

In July, Liu was nominated as a candidate of the "National Moral Models" this year, which encourages and guides the young people to cherish the time with parents and have a sense of responsibility.