Professor Fang Shu

Last night, I had the privilege to attend an event called "SEEDING, EQUITY & ENTREPRENEURSHIP" hosted by FIU Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism Management. My colleague, Professor Brian Barker, Endowed Chair of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, organized this amazing event in honor of Black History Month.

It was inspiring to hear some inspiring stories of those minority entrepreneurs during the panel discussion. I remember that capital raising was one of the topics discussed. As minorities, none of these entrepreneurs was wealthy before they founded their own businesses. Some of them had to work extremely hard to raise capital, even taking on credit and borrowing from friends and family members. Despite limited resources, they seize every opportunity and work their way up. They all started out small but managed to grow their companies significantly. 

I can relate to them because I also think I'm a minority. I moved to the United States 12 years ago as an international student. The barrier of language and culture, lack of opportunities for employment, financial strain, loneliness, etc. were all obstacles for an international student. Not really to get a good job or make good money, but to get equal opportunities, I knew I would have to work harder than with my native friends. 

Nowadays, some social media articles insist on telling us to "Work smarter, not harder." I agree that working smart is very important. However, it depends. Many people, especially minorities, must work very hard before they can work smarter. In fact, regardless of whether you are a minority or not, you may not have the same resources as a few lucky people who were born with them.  

Today, I'm still working very hard, as a professor. I keep learning, listening, writing, and sharing. My ability to work smarter now comes from working harder. My last night's networking session introduced me to several entrepreneurs and investors who are so ready to speak to my students and share their real-world financial knowledge. I work smart, don't I? However, I wouldn't have a chance to connect with these amazing people if I was too lazy to attend this event. 

So, let's work harder.