My Inspiration
After the plenary, I found that I shared many connections with the speaker, Wendy Cai-Lee. I also grew up in a traditional Chinese family, where I was taught to be modest and humble. I never felt comfortable expressing pride for myself, and that behavior of being overly humble often made me lack confidence. However, I believe what she said about being our own champions is very true, because no one will value us unless we value ourselves first. The same as it was for her, the move from China to United States made me feel responsible for my family’s well being. Through the experience of helping my parents settle down in a new country and play a role as a guide for my parents, I was rewarded with many useful skills in life such as communication skills and real world problem solving skills. Both the speaker and I had to face difficult problems, but, likewise, we also appreciated the experiences because I recognized that I become mature and also gained the knowledge of know how to approach solutions in a more effective way at a young age. I also agree with her that women should support each other more often, and more women need to hold accountability and ownership. I look up to her, I take her as my inspiration, and I will work as hard as she does.
