Prompt: Describe the world you come from - for example, your family, community or school - and tell us how your world has shaped your dreams and aspirations.
The people that know me best, from my mistakes to my achievements, are my parents. They are the biggest influence on my life because they are the people I see and spend time with the most. My parents have always pushed me toward academic success and inspired me to achieve more than I already could; I always put 110% effort into any task given to me because of them. They have a great influence on my life, personality, and choices due to their hard work for our family. Together, they have shaped me to who I am today, and I will never forget what they have done to me to this very day.
My father was born in China, into a poor family. Being the oldest, he tried hard to earn money for the family and take care of his younger siblings. When his family was presented with the opportunity to move to the United States, they jumped at the chance. They started a small restaurant in Santa Rosa and slowly but surely, the money issues started decreasing. After 20 years of worrying about getting a decent meal on the table and struggling to support his family, my father finally lived a better life where that problem wouldn't be bothering him anymore. My father's ability to go from having nothing to being able to support my whole family, while living the American dream, has influenced me the most.
My mother was also born in China into a poor family. When she came to America, she knew nothing of the country and couldn't even speak the language. As a result, she tried her hardest to learn English and earn money to help support herself and my father. Balancing both a job and taking classes were difficult for her, but eventually, she passed the class with an A. Now she can understand and speak a lot more English than she could before, thanks to her hard work. I am very proud of the way she overcame her obstacle.
My parents' ability to improve their lives has inspired me to always try and work hard toward my goals no matter how difficult they may seem. Because of them, I have more opportunities than they had when they were my age. They did not have the luxury of attending school when they were younger. I feel that if I don't cherish and take advantage of the opportunities they provided for me, I would be wasting all their hard work and would be a disappointment to them. I believe that if my parents could build their life up from scratch and become more successful, I could also do the same because of all the advantages I have compared to them. The things my parents went through made me realize that if you try hard, then you will eventually reach your goals. This has made me into a very determined person. For example, during my freshmen year in high school, I received average grades in my classes, which didn't please my parents, so eventually I gave up in my sophomore year. I started to try less and less in school. I received even worse grades; I felt that trying wouldn't help me in any way. I saw the disappointment in my parents so, finally, I decided to try what they had done and work extra hard in my classes. I started to receive excellent grades and my parents were very proud of me. I realized that all I was lacking before was perseverance. Before, whenever I faced an obstacle, I avoided it instead of faced it like I should have done. When I finally overcame my obstacles, I felt a genuine sense of accomplishment.
My parents have taught me to work hard toward my goals and to face my obstacles instead of running away. Because of them, I have many successes in my life that I am eternally grateful for. My parents have shaped me into who I am today, and I cannot thank them enough for what they have done for me and how they are shaping my imminent future.
Im afraid my essay is a little too cliche.
In my opinion, I think you talk too much about your parents and their influence. You should talk more about your social background including your community and your high school. Nonetheless, you tlak about your goals and aspirations for the future. I think you could talk a little bit more about it and explain how all your background has influenced you to become a "..." or to have that aspirations and goals.
I hope I've helped you!
