I grew up in a very traditional household. My parents hailed directly from Wen Zhou, a prefecture-level city in the Zhejiang province in China. They brought their traditions over when they moved to the States, and raised their children to value these traditions. However, these traditions value patriarchy and emphasize gender roles. By the time I began to understand my parents’ values, I had accepted the idea that I might never be as important than my younger brother, and that the world is a terrifying place.

However, in high school, I joined Tech Crew. This group of individuals were in charge of the technical aspects of the school’s performing arts shows. This group is actually where I made some of my closest friends. It taught me to be more open minded, and that I didn’t need to accept things for what they were. They taught me that everyone has the potential to do anything, as long as we allow it. Tech Crew’s motto is “Luceat Lux Vestra” or “Let Your Light Shine.” It is with this motto that I graduated from high school, and it is with this motto that I want to live my life.

As a college student, my parents expect me to spend my time studying and passing my classes, moving on to get a good job and earn a lot of money. As a college student, I expect me to learn more about what I can do, and discover who I want to be. I hope to use my first semester to pace myself and branch my interests. I hope to learn to take the initiative, instead of following other people’s instructions. I just hope I won’t be overwhelmed.