Sangho Sun

Ms Lavin-Williams

English

October 15 2024

 

The Things They Carried - Prompt 1

 

 

Write about something intangible that you carry. (This can be positive or not.) What was/is it? How did/does it affect you? Do you still carry it to this day? 

 

I come from a family that has a deep tradition, where hierarchy and responsibility are more than just words but are the foundation of our lives. My Grandfather (Paternal), the eldest of four sons, and my father, the only son of my grandfather, both carry the weight of responsibility and family legacy. My mother, as the eldest daughter, also shares that burden too. I’ve realized that I am almost a cumulation of their hopes and dreams, especially when it comes to education. 

 

My grandfather and father both attended the most prestigious colleges in Korea, which set a standard that has loomed over my whole life. At times, it has felt overwhelming, like a mountain I was expected to climb with no room for missteps. But as time slowly passed, I’ve come to see this burden not as a curse but a blessing. 

 

The pressure to excel and never being able to give up has pushed me to become more than I thought possible. And it’s not just about making me proud anymore but the fact that I want to light the way for my younger brothers. I hope that after having this pressure and support from my family I can make it a much smoother experience for my younger brothers to pursue the education I got. I hope that I would be a mentor for them and someone they look up to in the future that they can hopefully surpass the expectations that have been set for me. 

 

In many ways, I don’t just carry the weight of my family’s expectations, I carry their love, hope, and their belief in me to become great. While that may be a heavy duty at times, it’s also a source of strength and motivation.