family.

Bought the coat. Yay =)

Today I called my parents to talk about my potential abroad opportunities. It still surprises me how forward-thinking my parents are. I've been in a lot of discussion groups over the years about Asian parents, and the unrealistic expectations they set for their children. Some stereotypes include:

- strong focus on school, and school only
- very strict, don't care about what you want, only that you do what they want
- get a career in medicine, law, or some other prestigious field

When I talk about the "stereotypical Asian parent," it's easy to see some of these qualities in my own parents. However, I've learned over time that my parents are the complete opposite. They have been so supportive of me over the years: when I told them I wanted to major in Political Science, when I told them I wanted to work in a non-profit, when I told them I wanted to study abroad in Greece, when I told them I wanted to spend yet another year abroad. I know what they want for me: they want me to have a secure job, live in New York (preferably as close to them as possible); they want me to get married to a nice Chinese guy, etc. But at every turn, when I present them with what I want, they don't flip out and forbid it. They accept my decisions, trust that I can take care of myself, and are simply there for me. It's crazy to admit that I haven't been completely appreciative of this.

I am so glad to have such awesome role models in my parents. They genuinely want me to be happy, and support me in whatever I do, even when I know it may not make them happy. My mom really wants me to move home. She's been waiting these past couple of years for me to return to New York. And it breaks my heart that I may be postponing that for another year (especially because I really want to move home). But being apart from them has actually strengthened our relationship over these years. I'll admit, spending a year abroad really scares me, but knowing that my parents will be there for me, to support me, makes making this decision a whole lot easier.