As a child of middle class immigrant parents, I have always found myself trying to please the expectations that they have set.

My parents came to the United States for the American Dream. They came here for the opportunities that would allow them and myself to have a better life.

However, when they came here, they immediately had to jump into finding work to fend bills that would allow them to have a roof over their heads. This immediate jump pushed them into leaving opportunities that would allow them to achieve the American Dream that they came here for.

The fact that my parents weren't able to truly achieve the goals they thought they would accomplish, became a driving force for me. I would become the one to pursue the goals they wanted.

Thus the expectations they have had for me have always been ones that have been held in high standards. For me this meant having great grades, going to college, getting a masters degree in the future and then pushing for a job that pays in the large digits. This pressure isn't something that is easily accessible, as it takes years to do.

Growing up, there has always been a great emphasize on grades, thus I would hear things like,

“Make sure you go to school.

“You need a 100% in all your classes. ”

“You need to pick a realistic career choice.”

“Where are the points you missed on the test?”

“Why didn’t you study more?”

If anyone is like me and procrastinates you get to hear:

“Why are you doing this last minute? You could have done better!”

Yeah, I was that kid who liked art. But, I am currently pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice.

The pressure of achieving their goals of grasping the American Dream the way my parents saw it has been a difficult one. But, with time and compromise, I have found a way to pursue what I want while satisfying the things they expect me to achieve.

I have made their goals mine, and my parents have dreamed my dreams.

The benefits that I have gained from the pressure I have faced is that I am able to stand out in a world which idolizes competition, and stand against my peers. Though keeping my grades up has always been a struggle for me, I have found that I always push myself to accomplish everything that I set myself to, even accomplishing the grades I want.

I know that I am capable of finishing my college degree, and getting a job that allows me the ability to achieve a stable life.