Chengmei Li (22, student Economics of Development)
“I was born in Renshou, China – a small town where everyone knows each other. The expectations for young women in Renshou are still quite traditional: a relationship with the prospect of a marriage, a familyhouse and children. I’m happy to stay away from this social pressure.
When I was in high school my parents both lived in Tibet for work. I still don’t really understand why they’ve left me so suddenly, but I did learn to stand on my own two feet. After obtaining my bachelor in Being I decided getting a master at ISS. It’s a great careerstep, but also a chance to see Europe – I love to travel.
I don’t have much contact with friends from my hometown (except two best friends), ‘cause our lives have gone such different ways. My parents also share some traditional expectations for me although they are very supportive about any choice I make. Maybe things would have been different if I didn’t get used to living independently so early. Then I would maybe be less curious about outside, more reluctant to leave home.”
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