The last thing I wanted while growing up was to be different. I strived to be just like my classmates growing up, always wanting the newest and coolest toys to fit in. But I knew that would never be the case, yet I was given my own unique circumstance.
My mom and dad both chose to immigrate to the United States from the Philippines and Thailand, respectively. They both admired the idea of living the American dream and giving their family the opportunities that they didn’t have the chance to get. When I was younger, I didn’t really understand that this is why my life was different. Why my parents worked so hard with so little by working different jobs. Why I was always pushed to excel at everything so my dream, in reality their dream, would be fulfilled.
Growing up wasn’t always easy, though. My parents would work insane hours just for us to get by. There would be days where I would only see my parents in the morning. Family dinners weren’t a thing for me. Many of my belongings were hand me downs from my brothers. As a child, I hated these aspects of life. My friends would talk about all their family events and all the toys and clothes they had. As a naive child, my life revolved around materialistic matters. I clearly remember not being able to be a Disney princess for Halloween, but a hand-me-down costume from my brothers or having Christmas wish lists with at least a hundred toys on it.
As I continued to mature, I started to understand my life more. High school was solely focused on my education, at least mostly to my parents. They weren’t your stereotypical Asian parents, they just wanted me to do my best so I could have the best. I was sheltered more than the average teenager, but I can’t really complain. All that my parents guided me to do was for my best interest, I now realize.
Reflecting now, my childhood was not, in any way, horrible. It was just different. I am thankful for the work my parents have put into our family. For teaching me what it takes to make it in this society. For teaching me how to be independent. For teaching me to strive for my goals. I am utterly grateful for my parents choosing to immigrate so I could have the chance to reach for my dreams too.
