From the time I was a child, my parents believed I was destined to go far in life. Being the youngest and only girl, they hold me close to their hearts, but even closer because of my achievements.

Every year in elementary school, from grades kindergarten to sixth, I received the student of the month award. One year, I received it twice within that year. Within these years, I also received numerous academic awards and perfect attendance awards. I even received Rotary Student of the Month.

Although these seem as if it would be something to be proud of, it also comes with a lot of pressure. Along with being the only girl, I am also the only child that does well academically. I have never received a grade lower than a B, compared to my four brothers who do not do as well. Out of my siblings, I am the only one who will walk on stage to accept my high school diploma. Two of my brothers, with the exception of the other two, graduated off of independent studies at a military based school.

My parents have set high expectations for me academically over the years. These expectations are that I must obtain a B or higher on progress reports and straight A’s on report cards. They are not stuck to these rules, but if I slack with my school work, my extracurricular activities are taken away. These include hanging out with friends, my phone, my TV, and going out places.

Along with this pressure comes stress. School has always stressed me out and the idea of high school doesn’t help. When I found out I was enrolled in an honors English class, I was almost in tears over the potential stress. Now that I have been taking the class for a few months, I come home with 2-3 hours of English homework almost every day.

The reason I believe my parents want me to do so well is simply the fact that I have the chance to accomplish the things they couldn’t. My dad had to drop out of high school so that he could work and provide for his family. My mom graduated high school, but had my brother and was never able to continue her nursing career. My parents realized I could go far in life and they push me so I can go to college and pursue my dreams with nothing holding me back.

My parents do expect me to do my best, but also understand I am human. The overwhelming feeling of pressure sticks with me, but I also feel gratitude in the fact that they have always checked to see how I am feeling or how my day went outside of my academics.

I am thankful for being raised the way I was because now that I have grown older, I see now the importance of having a good education. To some people, school is a requirement, but to me I see it as a beautiful opportunity to learn and contribute to my education.

I am planning to graduate in the top of my class and try to get Valedictorian. After high school, I want to attend MJC for my general education and hopefully attend UC Davis on a scholarship.

As Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”