Hello, my name is Cui Shuli! I was born August 28th, 1911. My family and I live in Anyang in the Henan Province. I am the youngest of four children, with two older brothers and one sister. My father inherited a successful wheat farm from his father, which my two brothers and other local farmers help run. Since my grandparents have both passed, my mother runs our household with the help of my two sisters-in-law. My older sister was recently married off to a young man living in the city of Xinxiang. Given that I am the youngest daughter of a relatively well-off family, I am fortunate enough to have the opportunity to go to Beijing University and pursue my studies in journalism.
Watching the cycle of my monotonous domesticity that my grandmother, mother, sisters-in-law, and now my beloved sister have endured has inspired me to carve a different path for myself. During these trying times, I am willing to risk my safety to change the traditional ways that have subjugated women for centuries. Hopefully, writing for On the Ground in China will raise awareness of the growing issues in Chinese society.