Coming of Age: Rough Draft

      As a kid I was never raised like the stereotypical asian child. My parents made the brave decision to move here from Guandong, China, not knowing a word of English, trying to start a new life. Growing up I was at a great disadvantage compared to most kids. I was taught manners, how to walk, speak Chinese, and understand cultural traditions. That was about it. I know what you're thinking. "What about English?" I had no choice but to learn on my own, through TV and hearing it everywhere I go. I basically lived my entire life without any guidance. What do I mean by that? Take this example. When I got home from school as an elementary student my parents wouldn't ask me "what did you do today?" or tell me "don't forget to do any homework you have!" They were never on my case about grades or extracurriculars. Instead, they let me do whatever I needed to do. Some people would say it's because they don't care, but I personally think it's because they trusted me to do whatever I felt was right, to fend for myself. It taught me to learn and become an independent person. Without even knowing it they taught me the most valuable lesson I could ever ask for.

      Although my parents weren't always there for me I had two older brothers, Thomas and Wayon, who were there through it all. I developed this unique bond with Thomas that was unlike any other. With Wayon, on the other hand, we were polar opposites. Thomas guided me when no one else could. He taught me and disciplined me. Being a straight-A student and an outstanding athlete, he was definitely a role model. He was the first person I would go to when I need help with homework or I wanted to figure out my future. Often times I complain to him about how stressful school is or how I just want to give up. He never fails to bring me back to positivity, reminding me that it'll all be worth it or it's going to prepare me for college and life after that. As cheesy as it sounds, I don't know what I would've ever done without him. The day I have been dreading for years has finally come. The day he begins a new chapter of his life, college.

      With camera in hand I hop out of the car quickly as Thomas and my parents load enormous bags of luggage onto a cart. Thomas and I push the cart to check it in while our parents park the car. It's happening, it's actually happening is all I could think while the large bags are being lifted onto a scale. Once that is all done we make our way to a bench and wait patiently as there is time to spare. I feel mixed emotions as this is a bitter-sweet moment for me. Proud because he is the most hard-working person I know and no one deserves it more, but also depressed because I will no longer have him to guide me when I soon begin high school, when I need him the most.

       Close friends and relatives come to greet and congratulate him on everything he has achieved, not forgetting to wish him the best of luck at the University of Washington. He turns his wrist to take a quick glimpse at his watch and soon enough, he says, "well I should start heading to security check." The feeling of anxiety fills my entire body as I don't want to see him leave. We walk with him until retractable belts form barriers signaling that this is the farthest we could go. He is on his own from here on out. I spread my arms out on both sides of my body and gave him a big hug. A tear rushed out of my eyes and down my face. Not wanting him to see me cry, I quickly wiped it away with the sleeve of my shirt. From this point on I'm not going to have someone to make sure I do well in school and make the right decisions. It made me realize I have to take initiative if I want to be successful on my own.

      We said our last goodbyes and before we knew it he was waiting in line, occasionally looking back at us as if he didn't want to leave. Each step he took made me more and more anxious for him and for myself. Thinking about what our futures would be like as we drift our separate ways. Would he be so busy he forgot he had a little sister? Will I crumble without his guidance? Will he still treat me the same when he gets back? All these questions gather in my head, but only time will reveal the answers. Almost near the front of the line, he waved at us and I was quick enough to snap a picture. His smile showed he was ready to take on this journey. As my role model and brother, if he was ready then so was I.