I love my mother and I think she is a very wise woman. I have learned a lot from her over the years. But sometimes she can be very controlling over my life. I understand that she wants me to grow up to be a respectful, classy lady in society, but in the end it is my life. She always tells me what I can or can not do. Do this but don’t do that. Why are there so many rules in my life? Do boys have these many rules as well? I feel like she’s living my life and I don’t like how my gender dictates the way I should act. Why can’t I play with marbles, but boys can? There are so many things I can’t do just because I am a girl.   I’m still a child and I just want to have fun. Don’t get me wrong, I love my mother. She teaches me a lot of valuable things. But for now, I want to play with my friends, not wash clothes and cook every day. When I get older, I will worry about that. She also tells me the way I should dress. She says that I shouldn’t show too much skin or else they will call me a “slut.” Are people really that judgmental? She teaches me manners and how to act properly in society. I appreciate all the lessons and I know you want nothing but the best for me but it is my life, mother.

– Calvin Yu