Secondary Education in Immigrant Families (Add on)

Sorry, forgot to answer the question you asked. In my case, yes I believe that making a plan will help in doing what my heart desires. It is how much effort I put into it and skill I possess after that. I'm not sure about other immigrant families but mine is perfectly fine with me going into whatever job I want (as long as its not... I think you get what I mean... =|) and I intend to.

I remember once, I asked my dad what he thought about me becoming a writer and he said, "You're gonna suffer alot girl. (I laughed when he said this = D) Whatever, its your choice and its your life. I'm not the one that has to choose, you have to do it." At the time I kinda found that having to make such a big decision was slightly intimidating but now that I think about it, the fact that he's trusting me to make such a decision is really comforting. It feels like, whatever I choose... actually will be best for me and the people around me. I'm not sure about immigrant families in general though... Mine is... Kind of white washed, for lack of any other expression. >.<

Secondary Education in Immigrant Families... Don't mean to Offend!!!

I definitely believe what the states is true. Immigrant families are indeed more focused on education, especially those from Asian countries. Failure is definitely not an option or at least, does not feel like it to the child. Asian countries, namely China, have always been notorious for "being smart". The idea of "Your Asian! You must be a genius!" has always been a part of my school life. The fact that 70% of Chinese immigrants complete university while a mere 28% of students with Canadian born parents was a big shock to me. I've always known immigrant families have been more focused on education and experienced it myself but the statistics were... almost terrifying. My parents are immigrants and I am one child of four in the first generation of Canadian born babies in our family. My mother and father were born in a small village on the south side of China. The story goes as such, my father came to Canada first then brought my mother over. After that, with tons of effort and a whole lot of penny pinching, they brought almost all of my family here. They did not receive more than a high school education, so I myself can not agree with the theory that immigrant parents push their children harder because they have higher educations themselves. My theory is this, because our parents brought us to Canada to give us more chances, better chances and more freedom. I doubt I would be the person I am today if I were living in China as they did. They want us to take advantage of those opportunities and because they have worked so hard to make a better life for us, we do not want to disappoint. We in turn, want to take advantage of these opportunities. We want to succeed. We want to make them proud, take care of them so they will not have to work another day in their lives. Buy nice things for them and show them our gratitude. Now, please, don't get me wrong. This is not, at all, suggesting that Canadian born students do not feel this way about their parents. But when your parents have moved to another country, and even though they may not feel 100% comfortable in this new environment and they may have suffered because of it yet they still worry about you and your future, it drives you. You finally realize that they do indeed care about you more then you once thought. Even when they nag at you, criticize you or yell at you, they care about you more then you know. At least, this is what makes me want to succeed. So I agree obligation to one's parents is one of the main reasons. Immigrant families are often more supportive in things academic based. My parents have been to every single one of my music concerts since grade 6 and encourage me when I'm doing well in classes... and when I'm not. I do agree with the article in its stating that students in immigrant families often excel more than those who are not.

Why did I join Planning Online... and Who I am ^.^

One simple reason... My schedule is super packed = I was going from 7am until 5pm. Somedays even 7 or 10pm. I needed time for myself, to relax and not be going. So, I decided to apply for Planning 10 (for my own mental health '-.-) then if I were to get in, I would have a lunch block in fifth. Thankfully, I actually did get accepted and am surviving very well because of it (Thank you Ms. Lucking!!!) Anyways... I'm in grade 10. My name is Michelle and my toothbrush color is pink =... >.<. I'm in Sea Cadets and really enjoy it... Most of the time... I have one older sister. She's the person I'm closest with in my family (Sorry mom and dad...). I like to think I'm a pretty good student but right now I'm kind of behind in Planning :P My hobbies are watching videos and collecting hats ^-^ My passions are writing, singing, dancing, poetry, acting, performing, sports and... feeling deeply? If that makes sense... >.< Well, that's all I can really say on paper... Er, computer? You get what I mean... '-_-