What does one think when you tell them you’re from Silicon Valley? Technology, startups, Steve Jobs, the beach. A multitude of factual icons pop up in one’s head.
I often think about how blessed I am to be raised within the Silicon Valley. I grew up with brilliant ideas emerging left and right. Although as a child I did not quite understand all the tech terminology or what a “startup” even was for that matter, I now see the influence the Silicon Valley “mentality” has made on me.
I will admit I have complained countless times along with my peers about how difficult our academics were throughout high school. We constantly groaned and commiserated about the amount of work we had to do, not to mention the added extracurricular activities. It was almost a formula that nearly every child followed with countless possible combinations of responsibilities. In hindsight, I realize how it was not a formula, but merely the fact that most felt the need to be the best version of themselves possible. Seeing others around me competing in science fairs, excelling in school, maintaining a social life, and participating in other events pushed me to be a part of something as well. It was not that I was competing against them; it was that I was inspired by my peers to do something more.
This mentality seems to almost be permanent in my life now. Doing simply one thing never seems as satisfying anymore. That’s not to say there haven’t been compromises made in order to achieve this fulfillment I wanted. Tears, sleepless nights, and copious amounts of stress are all part of the process. People often call me crazy or stupid for trying to balance all that is my life, but I don’t see it that way. I see it as a challenge waiting to be approached. What fun is life if you’re not being constantly challenged?
As a millennial growing up in a fast paced environment and I could not be more grateful for my upbringing. The resentfulness I had for being placed in a competitive environment is now gone. I can now see the positive effect it has had on me and how it has shaped much of who I am today in terms of my work ethic.
But what exactly about this culture has prompted students to be involved with multiple things?
Our parents
Nearly all of us have heard of the “IT Boom” that brought thousands upon thousands of immigrants from all over the world to the heart of the Bay Area. Talking to friends who have similar backgrounds as myself, I find a correlation between our parent’s work ethic and our own. Watching our parents working countless hours to provide a stable environment for us has indirectly affected our work ethics. I work hard because I see them work hard every day.
Our friends
This has perhaps been the biggest factor that has pushed me to where I am today. Some of my friends are honestly brilliant. I hear about the projects they are involved in and am inspired to go out and get involved in my interests and passions. I feel fortunate to have friends who are coders, scientists, bakers, etc; brilliant minds who are passionate about what they do and their future.
Our schools
I touched on this point above, however I would like to reiterate its pertinence. I remember as a sophomore in high school, I was able to take a STEM class at my high school. This distinct opportunity allowed me to create a scientific project to present at a science fair. This class was available at only one other school in the district. The fact that my high school allowed me to be scientifically creative and gave me a chance to foster my scientific ideas was unique. Friends in the grades ahead of me at my high school had competed and won several competitions. Part of this success came from teachers who acted as mentors, resources available at school, and much more. They did not shut down or criticize our ideas, but instead encouraged and discussed our ideas with us.
I’m not sure what prompted this introspective thinking as to where my work ethic comes from or what instigates my competitive nature, but I am glad that I now realize the impact of the environment I was raised in has had on me. I’m sure many of you reading this piece are similar to me; a millennial raised in the Silicon Valley culture. Many of you are the ones who inspire me to push myself and create more on a daily basis. We are infinitely lucky to have the opportunities we do and I would suggest you make the best out of it. Take the challenge.
