Assignment 22- Bhoomi Shah

Something that has greatly influenced who I am today and may possibly influence the type of college I would want to apply for would be my dad. My dad is very orthodox and has been very strict all throughout my life. If he wanted something one way, it would be best to follow what he said and not argue back. He is a peculiar character, to say the least, because of how rigid and unwavering he is. He came to North America when he was around 23. When in Canada, he had to work very labor-intensive jobs such as in factories and hotels to make ends meet. Throughout this time, when his friends would get loose with a drink or two, my dad refused. It was against his religion to drink, smoke, or eat meat, and he followed those guidelines to a tee. He worked these menial jobs until he landed his dream position as an IT engineer. A couple of years later he got married and moved to the States. When I was young my dad always pressured me in my studies, saying that was the only way I would become successful in life, everything else came second. It may seem weird to us, but in his position it was true. He came from a small village in India, and while my aunt and uncle are tied to the same town they were born in, my dad used education to make a name for himself and leave. It was hard, but he believes he was only successful because of his rigid rules. In a way, his mindset has become mine. Those small experiences with my dad teaching me algebra when I was still in 4th grade, or telling me to study for the MAP test that meant nothing made me so particular about my studies that its hard for me to let loose some times because I feel guilty. In college, I fear that I won't be able to manage life outside of school as I barely do now. That's why I want to go to a college that has a wide variety of extra-curricular to keep me sane because I'm not like my dad. I can't control my emotions for the greater good. I can't be perfect and studious all the time. I don't want a life that revolves solely around my career and so I want to go to a college that offers me more than an education, but a community.