When I was growing up, what my parents did for a living and what my older sister was studying in school was not something that came up very often. No one really cared what it was my parents did because they were busy asking what I wanted to do. It really only came up if someone told me they were interested in studying something someone in my family was pursuing. It wasn't until I got to college that people started asking about my family. For some reason, new guys in particular wanted to know what my parents did for a living. I think it was their way of figuring out what kind of family I came from, but nonetheless, it stuck with me mostly because of the reaction I got to my response.
So here it is: For those of you who don't know, my dad is an aerospace engineer, my mom is an attorney, and my older sister is a chemistry major about to enter grad school in pursuit of a PhD. To that, I get a combination of stunned silence and comments like, "Family dinners must be fun," or "Wow, you have some really big shoes to fill." Yes, I do have big shoes to fill. The problem is, I think most people see having big shoes to fill as a bad thing. I think they see it as something stressful, like I have more to live up to than I can handle. But for me, the fact that my parents are well established and my sister is working towards the same is only a source of joy and motivation for me and here is why:
1. I have a really strong support system
I am so lucky that my parents understand and support the college experience. My parents worked hard to get to where they are and they know how difficult college can be, so they shine nothing but love and support on my endeavors. They understand when I can't come home because I need to study, they send me treats in the mail when they know I'm struggling, and when I do come home, they take me to do all my favorite things. They really go the extra mile to ease my educational experience and I believe it's because they have stood in my shoes.
2. My parents support education
College is absurdly expensive and because of this, I have heard of some parents trying to convince their children to stop after their undergraduate degree. Yes, college is expensive, and yes, my parents would have to work very hard to put two kids through all that education, but they still encourage both me and my sister to get as much education as possible. This means a lot to us because we recently discovered that at some grad schools, you can work for the university and get paid to go to grad school! We would have never known that had we not been encouraged by our parents to see what's out there. As of now, my sister and I both plan to pursue PhDs.
3. They understand failure
Just like everyone else, including my parents, I have not passed every test, I have not gotten on to every sports team I tried out for, and I have not won every award I have qualified for. Despite this, my parents still encourage me to try new things. They have taught me that while you may not always succeed, you will never succeed if you don't try.
4. My family is the best set of role models I know
My parents have always been hard working which has set me up to be the same, but my mom in particular inspires me. She stayed at home with my sister and I for a long time before returning back to work. When she did return to the work force, it was unbelievably inspiring for me to see an educated woman making her own way in the world. She proved to me that I can do anything I set my mind to. 
5. They push me to be the best I can be
My parents know the difference between me trying my best and me putting in minimal effort, and they never fail to call me on it. While this sounds annoying, I am so thankful for it. Just like every college student, I suffer through lazy periods, but my parents encourage me to take the time I need and then return to work.
Thank you to my family for being my rock.
Always with love,
Becca
