Career Choices
"I believe in doing what I enjoy. And doctoring is not it."
By Stacey Leung
A study by the National Women's Law Center recently
found that girls are still encouraged to study cosmetology and childcare,
while boys learn electronics and automotive technology. I know what
it's like to be tracked, but in my case, it's for my Asian race
more than my gender.
My aunt was a doctor and growing up, my mom had always pushed me
in that same direction. Her idea was that brains plus money equaled
success. I suppose that's what most Asian parents think. But I believe
there are other ways to be successful. I believe in doing what I
enjoy. And doctoring is not it. If we came to America from China
so I would have more freedom and more opportunities for my future,
then why am I being told what my future should be instead of deciding
for myself?
From the time I was five, I've wanted to be everything from a dancer
and singer to a firefighter. From a teacher to a trapeze artist.
From a children's book writer illustrator to a videogame designer.
From a professional volleyball player to a Hollywood scriptwriter.
From a businesswoman to romance novelist. From a racecar driver
to a TV news anchor. And the list goes on.
My mom was disappointed at first when she realized that I'm not
going to do what she wants, but I think she's getting used to the
idea. Besides, she wants my younger brother to get into computers
and that's where he seems to be heading. But I'm glad to be thinking
for myself. You can't know what you like or don't like until you
try it.
If I had listened to everybody else and spent my childhood buried
in medical texts, then I never would have discovered my love for
writing or journalism. I never would have known my own artistic
abilities, and I probably would be a completely different person.
Maybe I won't become what's tagged successful in my culture, but
at least I will be happy with what I am doing.
For Youth Radio, I'm Stacey Leung.
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