Personal Narrative: My Armenian Heritage

Growing up in a large family has given me inherent advantages and disadvantages. Undoubtedly, my academic success was fostered by my parents, who stressed the importance of a strong work ethic and focus on attaining exceptional grades. Meanwhile, there were financial hardships associated with living in a family of six that led to years of us facing expenses we couldn't manage. Also, there was the difficulty of integrating my Armenian heritage into my American lifestyle. However, I now recognize that sacrificing my own desires for the greater good of my family and identity led to the long-term formation of my goals, ethics, and identity. From a young age, my father has placed an importance on seeking an education. Through stories of personal regret, I learned how he went from pursuing mechanical engineering in Armenia to marrying my mother and moving to America, where he has made a living as a mechanic. Although he appreciates his life, he …show more content…
At home, we always speak in Armenian, so my brothers and I are well versed in the language, culture, and traditions of Armenia. Consequently, I have shaped a unique identity for myself. I am Armenian-American in its truest form; proud to be an American, but equally proud of my roots. Most of my interests have come from growing up in America. Here, I have been afforded the mindset and support to explore the world and discover what excites me, notably computer science. Meanwhile, many of my characteristics, like my strict discipline to academics and respect for tradition, have stemmed from Armenian attitudes. One Armenian saying captures a message that has always inspired me. It translates to: "You can have a life of wood or a life of gold". This means that life is what you make of it, and that your choices alone decide the quality of your life. With the help of my experiences, I aim to make the right