Today we’d like to introduce you to Lucy Wang.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Lucy. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
They say the human body reproduces its own cells every seven years. Well, me seven years ago would definitely not recognize me now because of how much I have changed.
Discovering my likes, identifying what I’m not, and pursuing what I want – these were not traits I had acquired throughout the first two decades of my life. I went along and did what pleased others because I wanted direction and acceptance. So, I followed suit as it was easier than forging my own path. I was so afraid of rejection and not being able to fulfill the expectation of others including close family and friends.
I was raised in a suburb city in Maryland. Average household income was within the nation’s medium, average person in their 20’s had a college degree/works a traditional 9 to 5 with a dress code/married to their high school sweetheart/has a mortgage/and maybe a baby on the way if not a few already. I was never fit for the cookie-cutter lifestyle. And that molded lifestyle didn’t choose me regardless.
Here I am in the last of my 20’s, and thriving the energy and abundance of life for good or for worse. Here I am finally embracing my worth and value and loving myself.
If you’re struggling emotionally, financially, socially, know that there are people like you out here. And yes, it always gets better.
Has it been a smooth road?
Being a minority in both race and gender does pigeon-hole you sometimes. You have generations before you and even peers who incept social norms and expectations. I’m an Asian American female, here’s my expected timeline:
age 4 play at least one instrument
age 10 be the top of the graduating class
age 18 ace the SATs and know exactly which college you’ll be going to and the major which is expected to secure the career of a lifetime
age 25, the quarter of a century mark whereby now, you should have your ducks in a row with a fiancee if not married already, and a substantial downpayment for a house saved if not carrying a mortgage already
age 29 – this is the last of your 20’s and you are to behave like the proper married woman with children that you are
age 30-60 you work for your husband, you work to support your kids, and then you work to support your parents& in-laws so they are taken care of
If you’re undeniably nodding and saying “YUP” to any of these, then you can relate and know that above the challenges that we have every day in life, we have these that were set up generations before us.
Even in the darkest times you can learn to appreciate the little things, find your own silver lining. I had 2 car accidents this year within a span of less than four months and caused 1 car totaled and the new one $28k in damages. I didn’t ask for the setbacks, but here they are, and only I can make those setbacks a challenge and prove myself I’m able.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
Mon-Fri, I’m a marketing executive; creating ideas, campaigns, ads, and different ways connecting people and brands through website, social platforms, and products to actual events. On weekends, I shoot and create content for my own Instagram @eatslucywang. Discovering foods, places, things to do, and more!
So much of the media coverage is focused on the challenges facing women today, but what about the opportunities? Do you feel there are any opportunities that women are particularly well-positioned for?
I think it’s all about perspective. What seems like an obstacle is an opportunity for those who choose to see in retrospect.
You see challenge: not enough women in the political party?
I see motivation: more women should come forth to run and campaign for what they want.
Challenge: having to choose between motherhood and career.
Motivation: some value one more than the other, but some wants a good balance of both. For instance, if your job doesn’t let you spend more time with your child but you really want to, then re-evaluate that job and the opportunity cost. You are capable! So, don’t be afraid to do something different.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: instagram.com/eatslucywang
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