A Problem I Have been Solving -- Anny

 
How do we balance work and family? It is a challenging topic, especially in the present competitive society. 

After a few years of teaching at Shandong University of Politics and Law in China, I found it was necessary for me to get a doctorate degree in order to advance my career. I began to prepare for the entrance examination for doctoral students when my son was one and half years old. It was a very hard time, I made a detailed plan of reviewing. Every day I spent most of the time studying and very little time in taking care of my child. Fortunately，my family gave me wholehearted support. My parents-in-law offered to help me look after my son. I was finally admitted as a doctoral candidate at Renmin University Law School two years later. I cherished the study opportunity very much and made full use of time to attend the lectures and forums. I studied conscientiously and enthusiastically. Ultimately, my doctorate thesis was rated as excellent and I received my Ph.D in law successfully. I am proud of the achievement, while also felt guilty about not caring enough about my family. However, my husband said I set a good example for our son, who has grown into a very motivated student now.

This year, I left home again and came to the University of Otago as a visiting scholar. It’s very convenient for me to contact with my family via Wechat video(a popular social media in China) . In the first two months, I was very anxious because It was so difficult for me to communicate with others in English. Now I feel better after attending the English classes in the Language Centre. There are excellent teachers here. I can learn and practice English every day. I’m sure my English abilities will be improved under the guidance of the teachers. During the one year’s visiting, I have planned my family to tour New Zealand. The unique natural landscape is so worth visiting. I’d like to spend more time with them and will try my best to balance work and family better in the future.