"To help me finish my thesis, my academic supervisor offered lots of guidance and advice via telephone and WeChat," she said.

"I knew he was busy with his teaching, but he always replied to my messages as soon as he had time."

With her supervisor's help, Li completed her thesis and did well in her presentation assessment.

"I wasn't able to hold back my tears when the teacher announced that I had passed my thesis defense," she said. "This meant my university studies had successfully concluded, even if it happened one year late."

Li and her parents sent a handwritten letter and a silk banner to the School of Economics and Management to express their gratitude.

"We can't do more for the school, but we will always remember everything they did for us during our most difficult time," Li's mother said.

Li was even more surprised when she was told to put on an academic gown, and Geng Yude, dean of the school, officiated at a special commencement ceremony.

She also received blessings from her classmates.

"I had never imagined I would be remembered, or that so many people would be so concerned for me," she said.

"The ceremony was simple, but it was the most ceremonious commencement for me.

"My teachers and classmates always gave me the strength and courage to move forward when I needed help. I'm confident about the future," she added.

"Like my teacher told me, no matter where I am in the future, I will maintain a rigorous, serious, positive and confident attitude, to influence and inspire more people."