<p>Foremost you must understand the background of “Asians.” </p>
<p>In a nutshell, Asians are just living up to their predetermined expectations. That being said, my Asian group of friends have a wide variety of talents (including music, journalism, painting). Their parents are usually worriers, and to them STEM fields offer a practical and stable (well, comparatively to humanities) “track” for a high-paying job. This is important to us 1st & 2nd gen, and there’s a loooot of us.</p>
<p>My experience? My filipino parents don’t care so long as I finish college and am on track for a stable, decent-paying job. I could go to a community college if I wanted to. However, I know I can do better and I’m pushing myself to my limits. I’m the driving factor here, not my parents. Hell, the entire college application process is hands-off on their part aside from finance.</p>
<p>And yes, I’m planning on being in a STEM field. Premed track, Neuroscience major, English minor. I’ve won awards for my writing and most of my extracurriculars are English-related because I love English. I also share a love for the sciences and I’ve been exposed to Med careers before as my parents are both hospital/health center workers. </p>
<p>Is their pressure to be in STEM as an Asian? Yes. But that doesn’t mean Asians won’t branch out and pursue their respective talents in the humanities, even if it means taking it as a minor like myself. Of course, I’m only one case. It’s disappointing when you see people who force themselves into a dislikable major for their parents. I think that’s the stupidest thing a “smart Asian” can do.</p>