<p>Interesting article. I read an editorial about the Kim sisters’ book in TIME magazine a few weeks ago… as a Korean, I definitely recognize some of the “secrets” the Kim sisters talk about in my parents’ and my friends’ parents’ attitudes towards education, but I also think that the Kim sisters and their parents go more than a little overboard.</p>
<p>As Jay Mathews implies, more and more Caucasian parents are adopting some of the characteristics of Asian parents. I also believe the opposite is true.</p>
<p>My parents are not stereotypical Asian parents. They have not seen my report card since I was 14 - not because I hide it from them, but because as long as I’m happy with how I’m doing in school, they’re happy too. They have let me conduct my own college search and have not pressured me to apply or not to apply to any school. They let me direct my own schedule in school and pursue MY interests. When I decided to quit playing piano after 13 years (though I loved playing, I had to prioritize my activities), they let me make that decision myself.</p>
<p>The reason they raised me (and my sister) this way is that when they were students, their parents pressured them heavily. My grandmother used to wake my mom and aunt up at 4am every day so they could go to the library to study before school. After school, they attended “hakwons” (still very popular in Korea), which are extra classes in specific subjects. My mom did not want to raise me this way.</p>
<p>I think, though, the most important thing my parents did do (which both Mathews and the Kim sisters point out) is they instilled in me a love of learning. I think I’m self-motivated when it comes to learning and schoolwork. I love to learn… it’s almost a high, haha. I love being exposed to new ideas and the feeling I get when I finally understand all the new information I’m learning in class and everything just… clicks. I’m definitely a nerd, lol. In all seriousness though, I think I’ve done a pretty good job at being well-balanced. I play two varsity sports, captain one of them, I’m involved in clubs, I have a social life, and I still play some piano to relax once in a while.</p>
<p>Sorry this is such a long post. I think I’m a little tired of people assuming that any academic success I may have is due to my parents pressuring me. Yes, my parents made sure from when I was a little kid that I understood the importance and the value of a solid education. They raised me to have high expectations for myself, and to value effort. They encouraged me to pursue my passions deeply. But these are values most parents, regardless of ethnicity, share. I’m certainly not the overworked, overstressed Asian kid some people think I am.</p>
<p>Okay. I really have to stop, hehe. 
If this sounds like a self-glorifying rant, I’m sorry. I don’t mean to come off that way. Gahh. Any other Asian kids feel the same way I do?</p>