You've Got the Whole World...

During Thanksgiving, while we were taking the train in Chicago, C and I were talking about our work lives since both of us just started working this year. She said, "Y, I think it's more difficult for us to become a consultant because English is not our first language and Americans like to do business with Americans."

Not a while ago, I finally realized that it is good to be different and I should treasure my uniqueness. Like what Bert Decker said, "If you have a difference that sets you apart, use it." What can I say, when you are the minority of the minority of the minority in this country (being female, foreign-born and Asian), you just need to come up with some reasons to validate your "self-worth" ;)

I was pondering about what C said for awhile. I wondered if her statement was true because it contradicted with my beliefs. Sometimes, I'm just like the Chicken Little who believes the sky is falling, yet I also believe that sky is the limit and building a castle in the air is also possible (well, if I apply myself :)).

So during a meeting with my mentor- at-work, I brought up this story and asked her what she thought. The first thing K said--" No, that's not true. People (not just Americans) like to deal with people with personalities and with good communication skill. From the perspective of clients, as long as they can understand you, it's more important to get things done and deliver quality services. Besides, Y, when the world is flat, with your backgrounds, you've got the whole world. And now...you just have to take it."