When I was young, I followed the lead of others. I never set my own goals nor made my own impressions. I believed that anyone could go anywhere if they put their mind to it. I just went with the flow, not making any effort. If I dedicate every ounce my mind and body to the task at hand, then I will be successful in life.
As the youngest child of four sisters, my sister was my inspiration and I wanted to imitate their moves. They would always tell you that I could not do ‘this’ and ‘that’. It was impossible. As time went by, I started to believe them more. This is because I did not achieve enough to make ends meet in my life. Although I was a good student, I didn’t think twice about getting involved in extracurricular activities. I lack the self-motivation and self-confidence that it takes to succeed. Instead, my focus was on entertainment such as TV or games at home. As I grew up, I was more independent and could complete most tasks without my family. I was unable to find the motivation to achieve greater and better goals, even though I had some improvement in my motivation. In May 2010, after graduating from high school, I began working as a waitress at Which Wich Superior Sandwiches. I knew that I would like college. However, I did not have the financial means to pay for it. Instead, I started pursuing another goal. It wouldn’t be an easy goal. I wanted to buy my first car. My older sister, who was a car-addicted woman, taught me that I wanted to be financially able to buy a car. It would require some savings, but I knew it would help me get closer to my goal of being financially free. I kept thinking this thought every day.
After five long months of hard work, which included many eight-hour and 10 hour shifts, my time finally came. It was a cold morning and I knew what tasks I would need to accomplish this day. It was December twenty-third 2010. It was freezing. My debit card and mother were in my car as I piled in with my mother. It was both nervous and exciting. My uncle was going to be there so that he could inspect the car before we made the big purchase. After we met my uncle, it was time to go to the bank. We were soon on our way when I withdrew all the money needed to buy my car. We chatted, we listened, but the 25 minutes it took to get to our destination felt like an hour. We walked together to the front desk to speak with the seller. After explaining that I wanted to purchase the Chevy Cavalier, he began to fill out paperwork. I completed the paperwork and walked out to take a final look at my car before paying for it. I looked at mom and realized it was now time. Nervously counting out the money for him, one hundred, two-hundred… one thousand. And so it went until I got to my total. I thanked him and he gave me two sets keys. I was eager to get behind the wheel of my new car. I smiled big and opened the door to my new car. The engine began to roar as I inserted the key and turned the knob gently. It was the first time I felt happier knowing that this was all my work. The car was my sole possession, I was the only insured and paid 100 percent of the cost.
Now, I see that no matter what other people tell me, I can do it. It all depends on my belief in myself. I learned that I could do anything I wanted in my life after purchasing my car. All I needed was the courage and motivation to pursue it. I struggle with self confidence, but I know that if my goal setting is relentless and I work hard every day, the possibilities of reaching them are endless. These goals can be achieved by believing in myself and not allowing anyone to take them away.
My life: Narrative I am profoundly, unambiguously privileged because of the love that I received from the very beginning. I was loved and supported.
My parents, both of whom were from Southern India, were raised in conservative families. My grandparents, aunts/uncles, cousins/second cousins, as well the dog next-door, were all deeply religious, traditionalist, sexist, and completely cliche-ridden. While science might say that parents pass on most of their characteristics to their children’s children, my parents are living proof this does not hold true. They are very different from my grandparents. They’re actually quite different.
The exact opposite is true.
I struggled to adapt to my new environment after my parents moved to America from India. Even though I was accepted into school, I felt like an outsider, which eventually led to me feeling less educated. I hated school and learning. My parents let me down more times than I care to admit. My parents had faith in me from childhood.
My parents were not my parents. I was able to see the physical and verbal abuse my parents gave my cousins when they visited India. My aunts, uncles and cousins aren’t bad people. Their parenting style is not only inept, but a bit archaic. The most fundamental thing a parent could do for their child is to love them, encourage them, support them, and help them be the best they can. Unfortunately, this is not an Indian concept.
My parents were completely different from my cousins’ parents, which I found quite surprising. My aunts & uncles were rigid and impatient while I was compassionate and understanding. At that moment, it was clear to me how fortunate I was. I started to work really hard in school later that year. I would do my homework, and I would complete extra credit problems. This was remarkable for a fifth grader. I was rekindling my love for learning and hunger for more. Everyday I was eager to learn new things and always left school feeling satisfied.
Through my entire life, I have learned how to be happy and view things positively. I am passionate, hardworking and ambitious. Most importantly, I have a wonderful family. My family loves to laugh, have fun and enjoy life to its fullest. My dad always has a positive outlook and is eager to laugh at others, no matter the situation. My mom has good advice for me. I have benefited from the values that my parents instilled in me in many ways. These values have helped me grow in every aspect of my life. My parents were supportive and encouraged me to achieve my highest goals. Their support has made my life a foundation of hard work. They are my greatest source of inspiration and I will be forever grateful for their support.
