Childhood

My overall perception and feelings about my childhood are that of happiness and overall thinking that I had a pretty normal, really good childhood. To me, things were simpler back then as a child and I wish I had not been in such a rush to grow up, but every kid goes through that mentality and thought process about wanting to be an adult right away. I am happy with the way my memories are from my childhood regarding school, friendships, family relationships, and extracurricular activities that I had going on. 

I feel that both my parents and all of my family members have influenced me greatly growing up, but I believe those who have influenced me the most are most definitely my mom and dad. They have both been exceptionally good influences in my life. With my mom coming to the states in her young 20s from the Philippines and only $50 and a job, no place to live yet or anything, she truly demonstrated to me and my brother the definition of hard work, determination, and perseverance. I love the strength my mom displays and appreciate her being that example for us. My dad is very caring, genuine, strong yet reserved, which may not make sense but that's how I would describe him. My dad recently retired from the navy, but he demonstrated excellent leadership and standing ground. Both my parents influenced my personality, beliefs, and behavior in a multitude of ways. 

Obviously, back then, every child disagrees with what their parents are telling/lecturing to them about; however, you realize, hopefully, that your parents were right and that it was always for the good of the children, that is always the intentions they hold. Looking back, I agree with the decisions my parents made for me when I was a child. I understand and see that everything they have done has been for my benefit or my brother's. They have always put us first and make their decisions based upon what they feel would be the best for us. I do not disagree with anything my parents have done-I wouldn't be the person today if it wasn't for all those decisions made along the way. 

I believe my childhood is a little different compared to that of other children in the US. For one, as I've mentioned before, I have been very lucky, to have grown up with both sets of my grandparents, as well as uncles, aunts, and cousins in the area. With all of these influences, I had a lot of guidance and stability present throughout my childhood even through to today. I was lucky to never have needed to be placed in a day care center or after school program and I feel that has some influence on how I came to be who I am today. I'm not saying that those programs are bad, I don't want to come across that way-I am simply stating the facts of what I think growing up with other family around has done to impact who I am. 

My childhood compared to those of other countries I think vary in countless ways. For one, us here in the US have the pleasure of being able to play outside with neighbors or other kids without really needing to worry that much. I know that in other countries being outside is a very large threat and danger, moreso than it is here, and I see that kids are not able to experience what it is like to simply play outside and enjoy time with other children. Also, I feel that the fact that we have access to education here in the states makes our childhood different from many of those in other countries where they do not have the ability to become educated. 

In addition to my previous "I Understand" statements, I would like to add:
I understand that children are not as fortunate to be able to enjoy playing outside or to enjoy and gain an education