jmags 1 / 1 Nov 11, 2010 #1Honest opinions are much appreciatedEvaluate a significant risk you have taken or ethical dilemma you have faced and discuss its impact on you."Consistency is the last refuge of the unimaginative." - Oscar WildeSince birth, my family's pillars of success have been instilled in me. Cleaning, Cooking, Respect. I have been conditioned to please, learning everything from how to ensure that there is never a streak on a clean window to mastering the art of cooking rice. One might compare me to a perfect solider, armed only with detergent and a ladle.I have learned my family's version of respect, when spoken to look speaker in the eyes, when being reprimanded look at speaker's feet. Answer every command with a "yes ma'am" and quickly execute the task.For as long as I have been taught these principles I have gawked at their inaccuracies. How can my ability to cook or clean measure my value as a woman? I can look at any person in the eyes this does not signify my respect for them.I feel as though this truth is known to everyone in my family but hidden by the conformity that we all live in. Out of "respect" I to have followed the laws of my family, often going against my own judgment to please others. I have been able to do this until it came to the matter of my future. I could not conform myself to their limitations when it came to choosing a school. As my mother looked for places that had suburban campuses, and other superficial qualities I searched for schools that would allow me to blossom intellectually and personally.Choosing to follow my family's wishes may be the easiest thing to do. I would finish college, start a family, wake up every morning to clean and cook. Some may say this life seems ideal I have however struggle to see any fulfillment in it. I would rather travel the world, to learn and help. And if my future plans do not lead me to waking up every morning and doing the same thing I know I will not regret my decision.
EF_Susan - / 2,364 12 Nov 17, 2010 #2I have been conditioned to please, learning everything from how to ensure that there is never a streak on a clean window, to mastering the art of cooking rice.One might compare me to a perfect solider, armed only with detergent and a ladle.----This is great writing!I have learned my family's version of respect, when spoken to, look the speaker in the eyes, when being reprimanded, look at the speaker's feet.I can look at any person in the eyes,yet this does not signify my respect for them.Out of respect, I to have followed the laws of my family, often going against my own judgment to please others.I could not conform myself to their limitations when it came to choosing a school.As my mother looked for places that had suburban campuses and other superficial qualities, I searched for schools ...Though some may say this life seems ideal, I struggle to see any fulfillment in it.I really like the way you write! Good luck in school!