<p>Cucumber: Your parents are first generation and are professionals who are employed in industry.</p>
<p>Well, their struggles and fears belong legitimately to their lives. They did not have the benefit of growing up in our society with all the opportunities etc.</p>
<p>They are afraid, because their struggles have given them this fear. I am afraid that you and your parents are in a conversation that has no realistic connection.</p>
<p>From your background in the early 21th century America and their background in 20th century (my guess is either India or China/Taiwan) there is no comparable experience.</p>
<p>Many of my D’s friends have first generation parents from India and China/Taiwan, our school has a population of about 35% from an India/Taiwan/China ancestrial homeland and almost all their parents are first generation professionals.</p>
<p>I do admire your intelligent comments and appreciate your problem. In this situation you have two rights and no one is wrong, primarially because each ‘side’ is being true to their understanding and/or fears.</p>
<p>Most probably there is the fact that each of your parents were raised in a home where their parents word was ‘gospel’ and therefore they conformed and voila they have lead successful lives. They are probably puzzled as to why you have not reacted to their advise as they undoubtedly did to their parents’ advise.</p>
<p>You must find a way to have them trust YOU, because I must tell you it is clear that they do not trust the 21st century where that you are going to spend the rest of your life.</p>
<p>Basically, you must convince them that your first year at either college will be spent exploring and considering the future paths. Then after one or two years at your college, between the department advisors and the career center advisors, your parents might be exposed to mature advisors that might help them see your path and prospects in a better light.</p>
<p>Good luck, you sound like a very nice and bright young lady.</p>