Go for it!

In my life, from a small mountain village to Shanghai, from university to fortune five hundred company, I don't have many choices but accept what I was offered to me, as apparently those are the best choices at that time.

Until one day, I was suggested to a new job, as information searcher in a department called "knowledge center". I could stay in my R&D job or apply for it. That was the first time I met comparable choices in front of me! The opportunity was the first position outside of US in that department and need to be trained in US for half a year. On the other hand, it was totally different from my previous role as researcher and I had no idea about the job. However that didn't prevent me from trying. I was interviewed and got the job.

As a result, I was trained in US for three months instead of 6 months due to cost constrain. I learned new techniques about database, searching skill. I also worked as a liaison for other services our department offered. I organized sharing sessions almost every one month to introduce the service and tools we offered. I quite enjoyed what I did and planned my path in this direction through my whole career.

Then in a normal working day, I got an email from a big boss and offered me a job as product steward. That was the second comparative choices in my career. Again, this time, I had no idea what product steward was. My boss at that time told me product steward was a boring job, and tried to convince me to stay. I thought it through for a couple of days, asked a colleague about the daily job and decided to take it.

That was the best decision I ever made, because I met my favorite boss. I didn't try to please him but he was quite satisfied with me. I received the most compliments ever in my life. He said I could do anything I want. He said I could be her, the head of our department at that time. That was so inspiring. I learned quickly and was passionate every day.

I feel grateful where I'm today. When I have no choice, I fight for the best opportunity I can get. When opportunities offered to me, I don't think too much on the risk side but take it. Luckily enough, each of my job has one thing in common, is to deal with polymer. With more than 20 years study and work on polymer, I build my knowledge and expertise on polymer which makes me unique today. I'm in the intersection of knowing polymer chemistry, database indexing and regulation. Because this unique skill set, I am involved in shaping polymer regulation in different countries.

The other unplanned gift in my life is my son. I didn't plan a baby but was pregnant unintended. In one quarrel with my husband, he even suggested me to terminate pregnancy. I know it would be very bad to my health so I insisted my delivery. In fact my later pregnant examination and labor was very smooth. My husband now is so happy with our son and won't admit he ever said that he don't want this baby. It turns out parenting is the precious journey in life. Parenting is such a great learning experience and make me a better person. My son is the best glue to make our family tight.

Every opportunity in my life open a new world to me. I never expected I would enter Fudan University as a child and work for a fortune 500 company and live in metropolis like shanghai. Married with a son is the right thing to keep my life in the right track.

Life is like a box of chocolate, you never know what you're gonna get. Take it and do your best.