Nowadays, how to define the “independent women”? Today, three female Fudan MBA students who have always cherished “independence” as one of their core values shared their personal interpretation.
Zhang Hongyi, Class 2020, Supply Chain Manager
“Women don’t have to choose between career and life.”
In the eyes of Zhang Hongyi, economic independence, perseverance in career, as well as unfailing passion and curiosity for life, are all equally important. She attaches great significance to her role as a daughter, a wife and a mother, and doesn’t enjoy it when people see her only as a female entrepreneur, a superwoman or a celebrity.
Zhang has been living abroad and far away from her family since her early 20s. Whenever faced with frustrations, she always manages to find the courage to go on. Having seeing a great many female entrepreneurs creating values for the society, she doesn’t deem herself as someone with outstanding accomplishments. Rather, she chooses to be proud for her constant learning and self-cultivation for decades.
Zhang believes that maintaining the balance between work and life is essential. A career worthy of her whole-hearted devotion, a happy family, and some true friends are all indispensable to her.
Yang Xinling, Class 2020, Retail Operation Manager
“Becoming a better version of ourselves is the key to solving all problems.”
Yang Xinling considers herself lucky to have been growing up in love, encouragement and support from family, teachers and friends, which is probably why self-confidence has always been her strong suit.
Despite common prejudices, Yang believes female managers own many advantages, such as their sensibility and rich emotional expressions, which easily draw people closer and in turn benefit the organization. As to how can married women and women after childbirth remain competitive in the workplace, she thinks constant learning is the key.
Yang doesn’t want to map out her future just yet. “My goals include continuous accumulation of experience in career, maintaining healthy physically and mentally, becoming more and more mature, accepting the imperfection of the world and remaining passionate about life… In one word, I will keep trying to become a better version of myself.”
Ge Hui, Class 2019, Life Insurance Consultant
“Realize the mental independence and remain strong-minded through reading.”
For Ge, independent personality and independent thinking are essential for women, which is the reason why she dedicates her time to promoting reading.
As a core member of two reading clubs in Fudan University, Ge helped many students maintain the habit of reading during the pandemic in 2020. She also participated in organizing the online reading club, as well as two reading forums. Though the pandemic complicated the preparation and organization of all these events, Ge remained optimistic. “I guess I was driven both by the force of self-growth and the inherent tenacity of women,” she said.
Being able to remain positive is the quality that she values the most. “The positivity comes from my avid reading, which not only sharpens my thinking, but also helps my ephemeral being to break through the boundaries of space and time, as well as to encounter innumerable remarkable souls. When my horizons are broadened through reading as such, this optimism is just a by-product.” Ge hopes that she can bring these benefits to as many people as possible and make reading an indispensable part in their life as well.
