Lu XiaoLi

In an interview for the Fall 2009 GHA Newsletter:

Lu XiaoLi (or "Julie") was born in Datong city, Shanxi province, China, a 2,000 year-old city which is famous for coal and vinegar. She graduated from China University of Political Science & Law with a Master of Law degree. Since 2005, she has worked for the National Population and Family Planning Commission's general office in Beijing. Her duties with NPFPC include drafting reports and speeches, doing research, editing and auditing public information, preparing for meetings and training courses, etc.

XiaoLi had previously traveled to Japan, but this is her first trip to the U.S. She has taken full advantage of her time here, improving her English and increasing her understanding of American society and culture, while finding time for adventures both local (CNN Center, the Coca-Cola Museum, and many more), near (Charleston, SC), and far (Yellowstone National Park).

From your perspective, what does GHA do?
Like NPFPC, Global Health Action is working to improve the people's health. Although it doesn't work on a large scale or have very many staff, the organization and the people have the same sense of responsibility and mission. I like GHA's tenet of "Healthy People, Healthy Communities, A Healthy World." I believe that GHA is doing a good job of working to achieve health with people and communities.

What have you been working on at GHA?
I came here with the first 2009 training group of NPFPC, and I was involved with the training courses and the wrap-up and evaluations afterwards. I've also been helping with communication with China, doing research, and working on developing new projects, especially on aging issues. We thought that I would be here for another training course, but unfortunately that had to be postponed until later in the year.

What is the most unexpected thing about the U.S.?
What has impressed me most is the charity culture in the U.S.  Everyone is a volunteer. And, people in Atlanta are so nice.

Have you discovered any new foods?
I have found that I like pasta! I have tried to make some recipes and am taking a cookbook home so that I can experiment with this cooking. 

What do you miss most about China?
My parents, of course, but I have been so happy here that I haven't really missed anything. I haven't had time to be homesick.

What do you think you'll miss most about the U.S. when you return home?
When I return home, I'll miss my friends here most, both those at GHA and in my life outside of work.

Any final thoughts, comments you'd like to share?
I want to say thank you to everyone who has helped me, been concerned about me, and taken care of me. The time in Atlanta will be an important and unforgettable period in my life. Thank you!

XiaoLi arrived in mid-June and is returning home to China at the end of September. We will miss her quick laugh, her adventurous spirit, and her kind ways, but we will definitely stay in touch. Fare thee well, XiaoLi! See you in Beijing!