What I Carry in this Tough Life

Physical Thing- The one object I feel empty without is my computer. I wish I had a symbolic and beautifully meaningful item to say here, but unfortunately I do not. My computer is my portal to the real world. I check my email, listen to music, see the weather, look up the news, and so much more. When I come home, the first thing I will do is hop on the computer and get my daily dose of information. 

Dreams/Goals- My dream or ultimate goal is life is to have a happy family. I would say just for me to be happy, but I don't think I could do that unless I had a family. I want to graduate with honors, go to a nice university with scholarship money, and then go to a medical school. Hopefully, with the money I make and the happiness I should have at my job, I can raise a successful family. 

Relationship- I can not single out one person, so I have to say my parents. They inspire me to do everything. The fact that they came to this country with only a dream after fleeing from a revolution just so I could have an opportunity to succeed is remarkably generous and unselfish of them to me. In all honesty, I'm not sure I could do the same thing. I want to reward them by easing the financial burden of college on them by getting scholarships and graduating high in my class. The reason I work hard is actually for them. 

Personality- Only three words to describe me? That's tough, but I would have to say hardworking, driven, and stubborn. I wanted to pick two good ones and one not so good one in order to balance it out and not seem conceited. I want to be a good guy. Someone that is fun to be with, but serious at work, and a family man. Others believe I am smart and nerdy, but that's okay. I embrace it because by now I have been called this for at least 8 years. I am most proud of my drive and believe it has shaped me the most so far. Raw talent is great, sure, and I am certainly not saying I lack any of it, but working hard just leads to so many great things. 

Memories- This one is a tough one. Memories are so often and so numerous that it is difficult to narrow them down to just a few. However, one I certainly remember is Name That Book in elementary school. In 4th grade I was captain of the Barbara Bush Elementary School Name That Book Team. I remember working every day. I remember reading all of the books. I remember winning the competition. 

For me, that moment really defined what work can do. It was my first taste of what an award truly is. Actually, also literally because we went to McDonald's after the competition. However, it was a turning point in my life I believe. 

                                               

Photo Credit to:

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=zM_8O0R8XNkpUM&tbnid=ptTgP4xfQHGLxM:&ved=0CAMQjhw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.boolumaster.com%2Fmixes-dj-blog%2Fpositive-quotes-11-9-11-enjoy-your-life%2F&ei=ZrIOU4jSF6S-2QWkxYDgAw&bvm=bv.61965928,d.b2I&psig=AFQjCNEraOEnuaSLOqSB1C54bbMYWygP9g&ust=1393558487549158

http://www.aniotaoftruth.com/a-dream-plus-motivation-becomes-reality/

Options Options

The world is made up of all types of people from all over the world. It is a cultural melting pot that is actually a phenomenon. The problem facing many children today is how to embrace their culture, or where they came from, but also establish their own position. It is important to try to be the third option by combining both.

Personally, this is how I have tried to mix both. Both of my parents were born in Persia and came to the United States for a college education. I love my culture- the food, the tradition, my family, even their dorky rap music. All these things have a part in my life that I hold dear to me. I eat Persian food that my mom makes, celebrate Persian New Year, and talk in Farsi to my family. I in no way want to break away from this part of me. However, there are some traditions that my parents brought over from the old country that I simply do not agree with. For example, my parents do not believe in gambling. I know that gambling is bad and all that, but I tried it for myself and think that if one can control themselves then it can be okay. I think if I go to Las Vegas when I turn twenty one, I will engage in some minor gambling. This is a personal decision that helps me make my own identity.

Anything when taken in extreme can be harmful. It is always important to remember to take things in moderation. To live by this dogma, embracing both sides of yourself, or remembering the past and present, is an important part of being the third option.

Photo Credit to:

http://www.persiahouseofkebabs.com/

http://payvand.com/blog/nowruz-2012-1391/2012/03/10/nowruz-2012-send-persian-new-year-greeting-ecards/