Final Project

For my final project I decided to revise on mini-project III.


“Chinese parents demand perfect grades because they know their kids can get them.” 
                                - Rob Gira, avidcollegeready.org


Both of my Parents were born in the Philippines, so I remember growing up listening to stories about how competitive and tough schooling was in the Philippines.  My Mom especially, would tell me about the stress of college entrance exams and how they were considered the "make it or break it" towards your success in life. They would constantly drill into our heads the value of education and how it is strongly correlated to success. My parents were telling me of siblings applying for the same school with one making it and the other not, friends scoring in the mid ninety percentile for entrance exams while still getting rejected, or people with masters degrees working in retail. My drive for success wouldn't have been anywhere near as strong, if it wasn't for the close bond and connection formed with my parents.


"In Disney movies,"She says, the [studious kid] always has to have a breakdown and realize that life is not all about following rules and winning prizes, and then take off her clothes and run into the ocean or something like that. But that's just Disney's way of appealing to all the people who never win any prizes. Winning prizes give you opportunities and that's freedom - not running into the ocean."
     -Amy Chua, Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother


Amy Chua author of Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother, goes into depth about the differences between the parenting styles of eastern and western families. Although the quote above may seem harsh, I agree that there is some truth in it. From Amy Chua, an author and mother, to even Motoko Rich from my first project, a writer from New York Times, a common theme that seems to be playing out is that personal experience that families bring out. The respect for teachers stems from the respect that the child's parents hold for the instructors and the drive and willingness to study comes from the the parent's desire and close connection mingled with their vision for success.



Because the job markets are so intense overseas, parents don’t just demand more for the sake of demanding, but for there own good or as Rob Gira said, not just because they know their children can do it, but because it increase their chances for a better life. I believe this is an factor to consider when it comes to viewing education in international schools. Students there grow up realizing how competitive the market is and strive to do good, and to live up to their parents expectations. Comparing it to how students are taught here, I thought it was interesting on how we focus on self-esteem and independence, how success can be mingled and can intersect with happiness, how they can coexist. While overseas, success is seen as a means to allow you the freedom to chose the life and career that you enjoy. Although both are catered to completely different areas with different view points, I believe I will always be, just a bit biased towards the overseas ways.



Made a FakeBook focused on the competitiveness of entering the University of the Philippines:  Link!
Citations: Link!