Sacrifices

          Though the main concerns of most humans are limited to that of food, water, and shelter, my mom’s concern expands far beyond that. As well as being concerned with food, water, and shelter, she is also primarily concerned about me. Her child’s wellbeing and education influences her every decision, even more than her own well being influences her.

Though my mother probably could have excelled in her life in China just as well as she excels today in America, she decided to move to America to guarantee that I would have a better education and, subsequently, a higher chance for me to succeed later in life. However, though my life was improved tenfold, my mom’s life probably didn’t. I understand that she probably had to spend a long time learning English, a new language for her, and adapting to life in America, which is extremely different from life in China in every way, especially the parenting styles, disparate ways children are educated and discrepancies in what is emphasized in the education system. In China, where she was raised, more emphasis is placed on scores, and grades, whilst in America, where I am being raised, critical thinking, leadership skills, “quality over quantity” and extracurricular activities are highly emphasized. She also sacrificed much of her own personal time, which she could have used in her own personal pursuits, like shopping and watching movies. Instead, she used her own, precious, time to take care of me and ensure my success. She also sent me to numerous extracurricular activities including piano, swimming, and soccer. Every time I get a good grade, a great achievement, or every time I hear about a community that is more dangerous than the one we live in, I feel eternally grateful that my mom brought me here to America and to the safe community that I live in today. Because I have been brought here to America, I can study a wider range of topics, have better opportunities in the future, participate in various activities, live safely in a supportive community, make good, healthy choices, and eat food that originated from various cultures. Because of my mother’s great sacrifice, I have a generally better life than she might have had when she was as old as me. So, thank you Mom! I will be forever be indebted in gratitude to you.