Two things terminated last week.
First, someone in the same walk of life as mine shared a notice, "First time in my adult life I have not been employed. Today was my last day in clinical research. I love and respect this industry, but my calling has changed and Nurse Practitioner is the next chapter, so I’ll focus on graduating….. turn the page to the next chapter!"
She looks like your average grandma's age. Turning the page to the next chapter when you are way over the hill? She fits perfectly the Chinese saying: "活到老，学到老" (huó dào lǎo, xué dào lǎo), meaning: Learn as long as one lives. She is truly inspiring when it comes to lifelong learning and personal growth and development.
Second, last Friday saw the last meeting of our Growing Together Community. It has been in operation for over three years, managing activities twice each month. The chief organizer started working full time since this year. Being overwhelmed with both work and household chores, she decided to end it. It is not without a touch of sadness when she announces the disbandment of the community.
Inside and outside this community, they all call me Big Sister 夏大姐 since I'm the most senior among them. I see this as both a respect and an expectation. For me, something will never change with or without the Growing Together Community, I will continue serving and being a good role model to them.