Ms. Independence

Ms. Independence

        In Taiwan, “helicopter parents” are everywhere. Most of the children do not know how to survive on their own. Parents decide everything for their children. Sadly, my father is a helicopter parent too. However, since I came to Chicago to live with my mother, everything has changed. I have to face everything by myself. In this free and independent country, I have gotten lost a sense of comfortable ties to family and friends, but I have gained a new courage and confidence.

        I have never thought that being alone would be the hardest thing in my life. In Taiwan, I lived with my grandparents and relatives, so there was always someone home. Moreover, wherever I went, my father would always call me to make sure I was okay. If I wanted to go shopping, I would always grab a friend to accompany me, or my father wouldn’t let me go alone. As a result, I have never known the feeling of being alone. In the first three months in Chicago, I did not know what to do with myself. I felt lost and fearful. I missed all my dear friends and family.

Besides this, I did not know I had overly relied on my parents when I was in Taiwan. Unlike my father, my mother is a very autonomous person. Also, her work is awfully busy. Therefore, I have had to explore this brand new world by myself. I knew I must be able to do this. After all, I was eighteen years old. However, when we went to buy groceries or to eat in a restaurant, I feared talking to people. My mother was very angry about this. She said “You are eighteen! Act like your age! “I have observed some girls about my age in the United States, and they were very independent various aspects and their lives. Also, parents wouldn’t chase after you every second. Then I realized in the United States, the definition of “the behavior of eighteen years-old girl” is very different from Taiwan.

Most importantly, I never had to earn money for myself. My family is not rich, but we can live comfortably. I never want for anything. In Taiwan, most of the children in my generation their do not have to worry about money. Few people of my age get a job and move away from parents’ house. I do not have to work right now because my mother wants me to focus on studying. However, everyone around me has to work after class. I am very aware that if I do not have a job, I will never live outside my home.

        After a year, I think back on all these frustration moments of being independent in the United States, but I know I am not the same. Although I still miss my father, my relatives, and friends, I’m content to be having a new experience. Also, I miss the days I used to rely my family and friends. However, I am thankful that I have had the chance to overcome. Now I do not feel lost or afraid anymore, and someday, I will be able to be completely independent as an American.