Judy Zhang
Staff Writer '17
Beginning in eighth grade, my learning has drastically diverged from my parents’ expectations. Living in a family of mathematical and medical professions, I struggled to pursue my passion of art. I was caught between what my parents - and my entire family as a matter of fact - wanted and what I personally wanted. Now, every teenager has had some moment of adolescent angst where his/her parents just don’t understand, but I knew that my ardor for art is not merely a phase that will gradually fade away. I knew that a future without art is unfathomable.
So, I rebelled against my parents’ insistence that I continue the family traditions of pursuing careers entrenched in mathematics or medicine. They argued that my sister did it, so why can’t I? They argued that I’m “good” at math and I’m detail-oriented, qualities that are perfect for being an account or a doctor. Unyielding and unrelenting, I turned my back on my parents’ attempts at converting my passions to more “practical” ones.
Eventually, my parents gave up on changing my mind, instead throwing their support behind my artistic endeavors. Or did they? I mean, they no longer scorn my artworks, nor do they try to advocate for other fields of study, but there seems to be something missing. When I was younger, every academic success I had achieved was met with hugs and cheers and praises. Now, I get a mere “good job,” and the conversation ends there. Straight As received the same enthusiasm as a sale on canned peaches at our local grocery store. Previously, my mother used to pester me about how my school day was and how my classes were. But I’ve noticed that as I began to select more art-based courses, those questions began to dwindle.
Now, I’m not saying that my parents completely ignore my passions, because that is far from the truth. I cannot thank them enough for their support through my exploration of visual art, my experiment with different mediums, and my creative blocks. I cannot show how grateful I am that they have not completely turned their back on the untraditional child. But I also cannot help but notice that my achievements don’t quite receive the same praise as my sister’s, who is currently studying to be a nurse.
Others who lack parental encouragements seem to display a decrease in academic success, the opposite happened to me. I became my own motivator and my harshest critic, relying on myself to push through difficulties and the unknown. My parents do support me, but just on the sidelines of my journey. And I don’t blame them, for the art realm lies way outside their bubble of familiarity. In a way, my independence in my studies parallels the unconventional pathway I’ve forged.
Staff Writer '17
Beginning in eighth grade, my learning has drastically diverged from my parents’ expectations. Living in a family of mathematical and medical professions, I struggled to pursue my passion of art. I was caught between what my parents - and my entire family as a matter of fact - wanted and what I personally wanted. Now, every teenager has had some moment of adolescent angst where his/her parents just don’t understand, but I knew that my ardor for art is not merely a phase that will gradually fade away. I knew that a future without art is unfathomable.
So, I rebelled against my parents’ insistence that I continue the family traditions of pursuing careers entrenched in mathematics or medicine. They argued that my sister did it, so why can’t I? They argued that I’m “good” at math and I’m detail-oriented, qualities that are perfect for being an account or a doctor. Unyielding and unrelenting, I turned my back on my parents’ attempts at converting my passions to more “practical” ones.
Eventually, my parents gave up on changing my mind, instead throwing their support behind my artistic endeavors. Or did they? I mean, they no longer scorn my artworks, nor do they try to advocate for other fields of study, but there seems to be something missing. When I was younger, every academic success I had achieved was met with hugs and cheers and praises. Now, I get a mere “good job,” and the conversation ends there. Straight As received the same enthusiasm as a sale on canned peaches at our local grocery store. Previously, my mother used to pester me about how my school day was and how my classes were. But I’ve noticed that as I began to select more art-based courses, those questions began to dwindle.
Now, I’m not saying that my parents completely ignore my passions, because that is far from the truth. I cannot thank them enough for their support through my exploration of visual art, my experiment with different mediums, and my creative blocks. I cannot show how grateful I am that they have not completely turned their back on the untraditional child. But I also cannot help but notice that my achievements don’t quite receive the same praise as my sister’s, who is currently studying to be a nurse.
Others who lack parental encouragements seem to display a decrease in academic success, the opposite happened to me. I became my own motivator and my harshest critic, relying on myself to push through difficulties and the unknown. My parents do support me, but just on the sidelines of my journey. And I don’t blame them, for the art realm lies way outside their bubble of familiarity. In a way, my independence in my studies parallels the unconventional pathway I’ve forged.