Secrets to success: Drawing resilience from family

Women are forging paths, defying odds and shattering glass ceilings. Their journey — marked by resilience, determination and unwavering courage — serves as an inspiration to all. Yet, behind every success story lies a network of support demonstrating that no one truly navigates their journey alone. 

In honor of Women’s History Month, we are sharing inspiring stories from women at Kellogg who are helping illuminate the path for others, and we celebrate the collective efforts empowering them. In this first installment, you’ll meet Enya Hong ’24 Two-Year MBA Program who stepped out of her comfort zone and left her hometown of Taipei to further her academic and career ambitions within the tech space. 

She talks about the pivotal role her family has played as a source of motivation, the support system she’s cultivated at Kellogg and the habits that have helped her adjust to a new culture. 

Thanks for taking the time to chat with us! As you near the end of your Kellogg journey, what’s been one of the most memorable aspects of your experience? 

Reflecting on my time at Kellogg, one of my most memorable aspects has been the exposure to diverse fields of knowledge. The variety of industries represented by my classmates has been a treasure trove of learning opportunities. Whenever I wanted to explore a new field or learn about the details of a specific industry, engaging in conversations with peers from those fields was as easy as striking up a chat.

Crafting our learning paths has also been exciting. Diving into marketing through activities like the Marketing Consulting Lab and the Kellogg Super Bowl Ad Committee has opened my eyes to the intricacies of market dynamics and consumer preferences in the U.S. offering invaluable insights as an international student.

The curriculum at Kellogg also encouraged me to explore new areas. Taking the Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) course this quarter introduced me to new business concepts I hadn't come across before broadening my academic and professional perspective. While I have focused on marketing, my “JV” — the school’s term for Kellogg students’ partners — has delved into finance, showcasing the freedom to explore and pursue what we're passionate about.

Another standout feature of the Kellogg experience has been the student-organized events. The ease with which we can participate in events such as alumni sharing current industry trends or executives sharing their leadership journey has been remarkable. Information and learning opportunities that might have previously required significant effort to access are now just a click away on platforms like Slack or campus groups. 

Tell us about the community of women you’ve met at Kellogg. How do you feel they’ve impacted your life? 

The community of women at Kellogg has profoundly impacted my journey — they embody empathy, competence and determination. We can discuss everything from choosing the best nail salon in Evanston to the right time to consider family planning decisions, but we're equally passionate about discussing disruptive business models and empowering each other in navigating the complexities of leadership. The bonds formed here are not just of friendship but of mutual support and inspiration, and I believe this friendship will endure a lifetime. 

I also believe that women at Kellogg possess a proactive attitude toward addressing challenges within our community. When we become aware of specific issues, we are not only ready but eager to take steps towards improvement. As a testament to this, the Women's Business Association (WBA) initiated a series of support group dinners during the winter quarter, an endeavor in which I had the pleasure of hosting a session.

The session was dedicated to exploring the dynamics between domestic and international students at Kellogg and fostering a collective introspection on our intertwined paths as women from diverse backgrounds. The theme of our discussion not only deepened our understanding of these dynamics but also inspired a commitment to nurturing a more inclusive atmosphere in similar future contexts. 

Besides, the school’s commitment to fostering a supportive environment for women is further evidenced by the annual Winter Women's Leadership Seminar. Facilitated by esteemed faculty, this seminar offers a sanctuary for sharing challenges and strategies specific to women's experiences and fostering collective wisdom and resilience.

The discussions prepare and inspire us to pursue, navigate and sustain careers that have impact and personal meaning. They have reshaped my outlook and strengthened my resolve to confront and overcome the unique challenges women encounter in the professional world. 

What resources and support systems have you found helpful as an international student? 

I've been fortunate to encounter a circle of peers whose support has been a cornerstone of my journey while navigating the transition to Kellogg as an international student.

Adjusting to life in the U.S. was daunting with everything from academic styles to cultural norms and daily logistics presenting steep learning curves. A fellow classmate empathizing with my confusion over my first U.S. doctor's visit kindly guided me through the healthcare process and helped me understand my prescription — all with a deep sense of empathy that transcended our shared status as newcomers.

In the realm of MBA recruitment, the support of friends at Kellogg has been invaluable. Their genuine recommendations and encouragement have been a source of strength, particularly in moments of vulnerability. The well-wishes from peers — devoid of any underlying competition — have been highlights of my experience underscoring the fortunate connections I've made.

Central to my support system is my family and my JV. Despite being miles away and perhaps not fully grasping the intricacies of an MBA, my family has provided unwavering support. Starting this journey with my JV at Kellogg, in a community where the inclusive culture for JV is deeply valued, has only affirmed that choosing Kellogg was the right decision for us.

Words fall short in expressing my deep gratitude for sharing this MBA journey with my JV. We've grown in ways we never imagined and have stood by each other every step of the way — all the more meaningful as we navigate this adventure far from home. 

Are there any new habits that you developed as an MBA student that you plan on carrying out once you graduate? 

The habit of regular reflection is a practice I'm committed to carrying forward. The program's rapid pace, bustling with networking events, endless social gatherings and the ongoing struggle against imposter syndrome challenges us to stay grounded. Deep reflection has been my sanctuary reminding me of my purpose in pursuing an MBA and the importance of remaining authentic amidst the rush.

This habit has not only helped me navigate the initial hurdles of adjusting to a new environment but also deepened my understanding of myself. It's clarified the type of environment where I thrive, the people I wish to surround myself with and the values I hold dear.  

March is Women’s History Month, and it’s a great time to reflect on all the contributions that women have made in society. As you think about all that you’ve accomplished and your future goals, are there any themes that stand out to you? 

The theme of resilience strikes a chord with me and is deeply rooted in my upbringing. Raised by a single mother, I saw firsthand her incredible strength as she navigated the challenges of raising three children alone. Her resilience in the face of life's storms has been my guiding star.

Fueled by aspirations for a brighter future, I left home at 15, and this marked a turning point in my life. This path towards independence was challenging yet empowering — leading to a deeply rewarding milestone when I managed to support my sister's education years later. That moment was more than financial support; it was a testament to breaking free from the shadows of fear and uncertainty that loomed over my childhood. 

My mom and sister's support has been crucial to me. They backed me wholeheartedly as I navigated the financial hurdles of pursuing an MBA; a decision we bravely made together. My journey, fueled by the resilience my mother taught me, showcases a steadfast determination I've learned to see as a reflection of women's strength. Their beliefs in the power of standing firm and supporting one another have deeply shaped my identity. 

When you think about what you have achieved — whether in your personal life or career — what are some skills or qualities that have supported your success? 

I've come to realize the importance of simple acts of kindness and understanding others. My upbringing has instilled in me a natural inclination to empathize with others and be considerate of their situations, recognizing that everyone has their battles — often invisible to the outside world.

I firmly believe in the powerful effect that encouraging words can have. It doesn’t have to be about extravagant praise but rather a genuine acknowledgment of someone's efforts or a modest celebration of their achievements to let them know they are valued. 

Adopting this philosophy of genuine kindness, compassionate understanding and positive reinforcement has fundamentally shaped how I interact with others and how I approach situations. For me, real achievement goes beyond individual milestones focusing on the importance of the connections I nurture and the support I can offer. 

A day in the life of: Enya Hong

More in this series:

Secrets to success: Building a reliable, strong support system
Secrets to success: Releasing the ideas of perfection and focusing on impact