Introduction
The influence of parents on their children’s moral development and decision-making process is profound. As I grow older, I increasingly realize the significance of the person I have become and how the choices made by my family have shaped my way of life. Through my life experiences, I can draw connections between my journey and the broader societal structure and culture, recognizing how values, behaviors, possessions, and other traits have influenced me. So my mother was pivotal in teaching me essential lessons about social interaction and socialization from a young age. Moreover, the concept of culture has had a substantial impact on our family’s community, which, in turn, has directly affected my daily life.
Socioautobiography
Being a first-generation American-born Pakistani girl, I grew up with my parents setting strict boundaries for me, influenced by their adherence to societal norms and standards instilled in them from a young age. Striking a balance between meeting their expectations and navigating the complexities of today’s modern society proved to be a constant struggle. Our family initially faced financial hardships, but things changed when my father received a raise, propelling us into the middle class.
I attended an Islamic co-educational school throughout elementary school, where my education was deeply rooted in my cultural and religious background. However, as our family’s income increased, I transitioned to a private middle school predominantly attended by white students. Unfortunately, I faced the harsh reality of ethnocentrism as some of my peers formed exclusive groups, targeting those who did not share their appearance or behaviors. This led to students of color, including myself, being marginalized and mistreated.
COMM 277 Socioautobiography Essay Interpersonal Communications
Eventually, due to my father’s employment circumstances, we relocated again, leading me to start my freshman year at a different high school. This shift brought new opportunities and challenges as I had to adapt to a new educational environment and navigate the complexities of adolescence in a different social setting. My life underwent a series of transformations during my high school years, presenting challenges and rewards. I actively participated in various school groups, held the co-captain position on the tennis team, and pursued demanding advanced subjects. In my relentless pursuit to please my parents and earn their pride, I immersed myself in studying, constantly buried in books, and refrained from socializing with friends. However, despite my efforts, our family’s income exceeded the threshold for financial aid when I graduated, rendering me ineligible for assistance.
Consequently, I enlisted in the military to secure a college scholarship. Unfortunately, my parents held traditional views ingrained by their upbringing, believing in strict gender roles. They disapproved of my choice, adhering to the notion that men should pursue physically demanding professions while women were confined to domestic duties. I had to educate them about the evolving dynamics of dual-earner marriages, where both partners contribute to the workforce, which had become more prevalent in society. Though angry, they eventually permitted me to pursue my path.
I occupied a predominantly male-dominated role in the military, subject to gender bias and stereotypes. The men in my unit, clouded by preconceived notions, constantly overlooked my capabilities, assuming that women could not handle tasks traditionally assigned to men. Proving my competence required an extraordinary amount of effort on my part. However, through perseverance, I managed to earn acceptance within the group, gained recognition, and received assignments that were once deemed unattainable.
COMM 277 Socioautobiography Essay Interpersonal Communications
It was during my deployment that I encountered my future husband. He hailed from California, with a mixed heritage of Hispanic and White ancestry. Adorned with numerous tattoos, he came from a devout Catholic background. I introduced him to my parents via Facetime, and their immediate disapproval was palpable. My parents staunchly believed in the concept of homogamy, desiring that I marry a Pakistani man from a similar family background. Gradually, as my husband became more frequent, my family grew accustomed to his presence. Eventually, we tied the knot and started nursing. My parents seem to adore him more than they do my sister and me.
Today, my husband continues his military service while I diligently work towards obtaining my nursing degree. We envision starting a family after my graduation. I aspire to impart the knowledge, values, and cultural heritage instilled in me while allowing our children the freedom to be their authentic selves, unaffected by gender roles and bias. Moreover, we aim to ease the burden of their educational expenses by partially contributing to their college funds, ensuring they do not endure the same financial struggles my husband and I faced. Reflecting on my journey, I am grateful that the would not alter a single aspect of my fulfilling life.
References:
Robindro, K. (2018, April 11). Retrieved February 25, 2023, From
Kendall, D. (2017). Limited. https://ambassadored.vitalsource.com/books/9781337467988
