The Courage in Life

A true story, which I gone through during an interview session (as an observer) this morning.

She is now about 21 years old, left school after Form 5. At this age, her mum still beats her. Sometimes kick her, slap her, even worst humiliate her with nasty words. I couldnt imagine how can an adult at this age still able to go through such experience yet wanted to stay with her mum, when all her brothers and sisters had ran away from home.

During the 1.5 hours of interview for her new promotion as Supervisor, I was surprised and very touched to hear some of her views and feelings. She is more matured compare to others at her age. Yet she is very positive, keep her smiling face throughout the interview sessions and we can feel her sincerity in speech.

1. What do you think if the company need you to work on restday or public holiday without paying you any additional allowances?
"I am willing to do it because I believe I can learn new things in the company"
2. But what if you realised later that you cannot learn anything new at all?
"Oh, by just communicating to the seniors, I had actually learn something new"
3. You are more people-oriented or results-oriented?
" I am more people-oriented"
4. Then how are you going to deliver the targets the company wants?
"When the people is well-managed, I believe the results will come".
5. What is your life principle that you like to share or promote to others?
"I don't mind to be at a disadvantage (吃亏), I always believe that no matter how others take advantage on me, I shall not take advantage on them. Sometimes my friends said that it is silly to be like that, yet I think it is all right"
6. When your subordinates did not perform the job well? How do you handle it?
"I must bear the responsibility as a leader. Then I will find out the root cause. I think there must be a reason if someone does not perform. So, I am willing to teach him/her and give her the right mindset"
7. Just now you mentioned about your mum, can you tell us how is your relationship with her now?
"Oh...now she treat me better, even though sometimes she still slaps me. I believe everything happen in my life there is a mission for me to fulfill. Even though my brothers and sisters had attempted to ask me to go with them, i decided to stay. My elder sister ran away at the age of 13. My brother left his cloths at home, only come back 3 hours a day and out again. If I leave this house as well, it wont look like a house anymore....."
8. One day when you are able to earn more and independent, then you can move out from the house!
"My mum is a traditional type of person, I must be considerate....perhaps she had gone through a rough time when she was young....I will still stay with her, hopefully one day I am able to influence her......"
9. What if she gets angry at you and beat you when you need to work longer hours, longer distance to new work place after your promotion?
"The most she will do is just slaps me, when she gets tired then she will stop...haha..I am ok with it..."

Before she leave the room, we realise she got scars on both of her arms, the effect of being canned at home. We also understand from her close friend that normally after work at 10pm, she still needs to clean up the house and wash the dishes and cloths. Sleep at midnight or 1-2am in the morning.

"We stay in a very small house. I sleep together with my mum and dad. One morning I overheard their conversation" "My dad told my mum "she is the only daughter left that is willing to stay with us, why still want to treat her this way........." Tears finally drop when she uttered this part of her sharing........

Well, the panel decided to promote her!