Pursuing Your Dreams: How to Balance AAPI Cultural Heritage with Personal Goals
Navigating the balance between cultural expectations and personal aspirations can be a complex journey and feels like a delicate balance, especially for AAPI young adults. This post explores the challenges of pursuing one’s dreams while honoring family values and shares personal experiences and insights on embracing uncertainty and redefining success.
Discover how you can blend your heritage with your passions and empower yourself to choose your own destiny. The Model Minority Myth and Imposter Syndrome are Two everyday struggles Asian Americans often face in this context. It has always been assumed that Asian Americans are more successful than other marginalized communities, and this creates immense pressure and unrealistic expectations.
Alice Lim's video below discusses how the Model Minority Myth can be harmful to AAPI individuals, allowing the continuance of harmful stereotypes and making the many diverse experiences within the diaspora. The author highlights the stereotype's impact on mental health, self-worth, and societal expectations.
Jennifer’s Thoughts:
I remember sharing with my dad that I wanted to earn a Master's in Social Work. That call was filled with excited yet nervous energy. He had traditional expectations centered around high-paying careers like medicine, business, or law.
I waited anxiously as there was a long pause during the phone call. I was surprised to hear his reply, "Okay, well, what schools are you applying to?" He made a significant and empowering choice that day when he supported me on a non-traditional path. It allowed me to honor my family values and my aspirations.
My journey so far has taught me the importance of embracing uncertainty. Each question I've asked myself and each choice I've made has made me grow in ways I would not have imagined. I looked in the AAPI diaspora for those who have navigated similar challenges and discovered that others had success blending their passions with their cultural identities.
It was important for me to find a culturally competent AAPI therapist to support me on this journey. I realized that the field of social work could help me bridge my heritage and my career aspirations. Social work would allow me to empower others, embrace my background, and be a role model for others choosing the "non-traditional" path.
This video by Kelly Choi reflects on these themes. She challenges the pressures tied to the Model Minority Myth and discusses how success can be redefined beyond AAPI societal and familial expectations. This video encourages you to reflect on your journey and empowers you to redefine success on your terms.
As I continue this journey, I understand that balancing cultural expectations and personal goals is ongoing. It’s okay to redefine what success means to you.
We would love to hear how you balance your cultural heritage and personal aspirations. Share your insights below.
