One Connection Makes the Difference

Mengping Li, originally from a small town in Sichuan Province, was prepping for her college entrance exam when the disastrous earthquake of 2008 occurred. Although surrounded by misery, the testing went forward.  Mengping ended up being accepted at Chengdu University of Traditional Medicine. (See post one.) She soon discovered that this second-tier university did not have all she needed, and went about finding ways to make the experience better. (See post two.) The realization that she held the reins regarding her future lit a fire in her soul, and she began exploring as she never had before. (See post three.) She had thoughts about getting a higher degree, but decided instead to try to find a job. (See post four.) While she had heard it would be impossible to find a job, coming from a 2nd-tier university, she thought she'd test the waters during a holiday break. Through persistence, she found a position promoting VIP cards at a manicure/pedicure salon. (See post five.) While her colleagues were quick to judge customers and decide whether/not to engage, Mengping helped everyone. One impoverished-looking woman turned out to be quite wealthy and connected, and offered Mengping a job in an electronics company. Mengping turned this down.(See post six.)

Her senior year, she visited her best friend at the first-tier Sichuan University (about two hours away), and saw GE Healthcare advertising for employees.

“At that time, I had no idea what GE is. I just saw Healthcare. My personality characteristic is perfect for customer service.  Another good thing is you don’t need to do the online test. (And thus input school information that might automatically disqualify you.) You just pass the listening to the boss.”

Mengping did well on her first interview. And when she arrived home to her campus late that evening, she received a text to return the next morning by 8 am.  So off she went the two hours to Sichuan University the next day. The second interview was a group interview, and Mengping passed that. She was invited to a third interview. “I was so nervous. But I kept smiling.”

Then she was sent to HR. And this is where that connection she had made in the manicure shop--that dear woman with her cheap-looking bag-- came back around. 

“The HR woman said, ‘Oh, you used to work in Shekou?’

I shared the story about working and taking good care of this woman who came into the shop but didn’t have the right bag. 

“‘Hmm, “the H.R. woman paused. “The lady you mentioned. I knew her. She was my former colleague.’ “

To Mengping, this was a sign from the Gods that she was on the right path.
“I was so happy.”
(To Be Continued. Next: Travel Broadens Horizons)