RooTs:
The Foundation of My Journey
Introduction
As I grew up, I was always pulled by a deep sense of adventure and a craving for newness, a desire that showed up early in my childhood. This urge to break free from routine and control stems from the environment I was raised in and the people who shaped my youth.
I grew up in two very different worlds: my strict upbringing with my grandparents and, later, the open-minded support of my parents. Each world taught me various things, but together, they pushed me toward a life of adventure and, eventually, a career in medicine.
Anhui – The Discipline of Routine
A Childhood of Structure and Responsibility
While my parents worked in Hainan, I spent most of my childhood with my grandparents in Anhui, China. Both of my grandparents had been teachers and their outlook on life was highly structured and rigorous. Without saying the necessity to study hard, I woke up every morning early to join the table tennis training—not because I loved it, but because they decided it was “good for me.”
At the time, it felt suffocating, like my life was mapped out for me before I had a say. The lack of freedom began to weigh heavily on me. As I became disciplined, my rebellion brewed quietly beneath the surface.
But now, I see the care behind their rules and the strong foundation they built for me. Even today, when I’m overwhelmed by freedom, their lessons remind me to stay focused and grounded.
Hainan – Embracing Creativity and Freedom
A New Chapter with My Parents
After graduating from elementary school, I moved to Hainan to join my parents and my life took a dramatic turn. The transition from a disciplined life with my grandparents to a more open and flexible environment with my parents was both exciting and liberating. My parents encouraged me to explore my interests and step out of my comfort zone.
My dad will never cooperate with a proper photo shoot……
My Father
My father, a businessman with a flair for unconventional thinking, often supported my creative ideas and risky decisions. I clearly remember one time when I decided to fight for the lead role in the school play – the problem was, the lead role was male. Instead of dismissing this “ridiculous” idea, my father enthusiastically helped me prepare for it, taking me to the salon to dress up as the male character I was going to play. Crazily enough, I got the part, and the image of me dressed as a man is still on the bulletin board of the school theater. Growing up, I inherited my father’s bold and adventurous spirit, pushing my limits to pursue seemingly absurd possibilities.
God knows how hard it is to find a picture of someone who hates taking photos this much.
He bet a hundred bucks I couldn’t find a decent picture of him, and I won. 😂
I won Lead Actor in a Stage Play. My teacher drew a mustache on me (So awkward to look back 😅)
My Mother
On the other hand, my mother is the voice of caution and reason. She was my best friend and confidant, always listening to my frustrations and impulsive thoughts. Her reassurance helped me balance the impulse to take risks that I inherited from my father. As a child, I always complained that she loved to “pour cold water” on my excitement. As I went my own way and learned my lesson, I realized that unthinking impulses can only lead to disastrous consequences. Through her, I learned to balance my adventurous impulses with the wisdom of prudent decision-making. My parents molded me into someone who is not afraid to take risks, but also knows how to step back and consider the consequences when appropriate.
My mum – my best confidant since I was a little girl 😙.