Undergraduate / Parents' advice about thinking - TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY ESSAY QUESTION [9]

Texas A&M University essay question. I know there are some parts i need to fix but please let me know if its good or if i should fix anything

What was the environment in which you were raised?

Describe your family, home, neighborhood, or community, and explain how it has shaped you as a person.

My parents always insisted that I could have a mind of my own and think for myself, but they always ended up pushing their beliefs onto me. In all honesty, I didn't mind because I discovered that I agreed with most of their ideology. But, growing up in California and having different opinions than most everyone else was extremely overwhelming. For this, I am utterly grateful.

Although it is always challenging to be a red in a blue state, being raised with different beliefs than the vast majority is something that I will continue to thank my parents for. I was able to learn about two different perspectives and visualize life through another person's shoes. Ultimately, I feel the most powerful when I am able to accept other people's take on things and I'm proud to say that it has taught me to be level-headed and understanding.

I now make less assumptions and instead I've become more inquisitive, always wanting to understand or question why they believe in what they believe. Having a different outlook has shaped me to be the best that I can be.

My parents taught me the best thing they could ever teach: No matter where I am or who I'm with, I should never let anyone tell me how and what to think. I am my own person. And that is who I've strived to be.