Stuff That Matters In Life

It is a fact that a strong work ethic is a culturally Asian characteristic, not just of immigrant Chinese who are here to make a better life for their kids, but mainland Chinese are high achievers too. I think the same is true for Jews and Indians. It is a value subtly passed on in the family that we are to achieve success, and to that end, you work hard, and do well in school. We do not want you to go to college, we assume you are going to college – this is a good thing. I don’t think it is a value or stereotype that we Asians should want to dispel. Would you rather be known as being lazy?

However, success means differently for each person. For the academically driven, it means a 5.0 GPA. For the musically inclined, it means playing first chair. Success could mean being the most helpful student in the class, or having a reputation of being the nicest. 5.0 GPA is not the only measure of success.

Unfortunately, us Asians tend to have a narrow mind, defining success only in terms of grades and money.

Whatever God has given you, be the best you can be. No excuses, no victim mentality is acceptable. That is the definition of being a high achiever. I hope I have taught my kids that. But perhaps they still just think I want them to get straight A’s.