China - 1960's

My grandmother was born on a small farm in 1959. During this time period, China was going through a radical cultural change called the Chinese Cultural Revolution. This time period was filled with mistrust, fear, and propaganda. Media, literature, and art were heavily censored in schools, and the government propagated works worshiping Mao Zedong and the Communist Party. Her parents were farmers and she was the oldest child out of 5 siblings. As the oldest child, she had to help around the farm at home and take care of her younger siblings.

In 1961, factories were starting to invite workers, and her father was hired as a coal mine worker. The work was grueling, and he had to work long hours in the mines to feed their family. Her family struggled to find food to feed themselves as food was scarce. Many families starved to death, but her family was able to persevere and survive.

In 1969, at 10 years old, she started first grade at a local school. Before she went to school, her family had to live in fear of the Red Guards, a student-led social movement. This group targeted counter-revolutionaries and also harassed teachers. My grandmother was unable to receive adequate education and had to work in low-end jobs.

At 18 years old, she started work because her father retired due to cancer and other medical complications as a result of his work as a coal miner. At such a young age, she had to become the breadwinner of the family. She worked at the same job until 1999, when she left her work and started doing small business to support her mother. When she had days off, she liked to volunteer in the community and donate to charities. Presently, she lives in China and is now retired. She still enjoys volunteering and helping others.