Name: Li, YingJie English name: Elizabeth Chinese Zodiac: Horse Western Zodiac: Libra

I grow up in the city center of Shanghai, China. Being the only child in the family and being chinese, I always try hard to meet the expectations from parents, grandparents, relatives, family friends, teachers ... it's not easy, but I somehow consider it as one of my top priorities in life - to please those who care about me - although it often means doing things against my will, if I do know what I like at all.

I came to the States three years ago, only to realize that there could be other ways of living, that I could actually make choices based on my own preferences and interests. It feels great to be able to make my own decisions, but then, nineteen years of listening and following instructions surely has its impact on me - I keep wondering what I really like, what I really want to become of. The answer lies somewhere, deep down in my heart, and I just need to try and find it.

We have this old chinese saying that goes, "Only he who suffers the most becomes the most superior of all." There is a belief, that suffering is an acknowledgement of a person's strength, that only the most capable are chosen to go through ordeals to make them into even more superior beings. Then there is another one that says, "Life is short; enjoy while you can." For the first nineteen years of my life, I was trying to follow the first saying. College life in the States opens a whole new vision for me. I do not, and will not question the validity of the life philosophy I've held for so long, yet I am learning to accept, that it is simply human to allow happiness or even a little indulgence in life.

 

<<<

---