Developmental Life Story Essay Example

I currently study in U.S in a highly ranked Liberal Arts College. Sometimes it is hard to believe that I am so far away from home and studying in a foreign land that offers so many opportunities, but is challenging as well. I have made some good friends and have adjusted to the new circumstances comfortably. It is true that I miss home and my family but am glad that I am getting a very good education. I am pleased with the academic progress I have made over the years and can sense the pride in my parents when I go back home during summer vacation. I feel satisfied with the way things are progressing at the moment and have great plans to do research in my favorite subject once I graduate. Today, at 19, I am a focused individual, who has clear insights on the aims in life and feel very secure in my emotional bonds with my family.
I feel that whatever I am today, it is the sum of the experiences and influences I have gone through the phases of my growing up. The social relationships and environment play a great role in making an individual. Family factors and environment are found to have a great impact on the development of an individual, and how he shapes out to be.
In my case, I am pleased that my parents have been able to provide emotional support and a very stable environment for me and my younger sister. Their efforts in bringing us up in a loving, yet strict environment has had a positive effect on the family system. We feel well connected to each other and today have evolved into a close-knit family. By being close, I do not mean that we are breathing down each other’s neck or have to know each and every detail. We live in a comfortable space.
When looking at the parenting style and environmental influences in my life, I am glad that I come from a family where parents think about the importance of a complete development of their child, physically, socially and mentally. I was never pressurized to get “A” grades all the time or come first in class, although both mom and dad were very particular about my studies. They just asked me to do my best every time and without any tension or pressure. I remember getting a C grade once in my eighth grade in one subject. Still, I felt free to discuss the grades and did not fear any negative reactions from my parents. Apart from studies, my parents made sure that I joined some sport. So, I took swimming classes every week with my sister. By the time I was 16, I was already a part of several social clubs in my school and was responsible for organizing charity fair every year at the local Church.
My parents always encouraged us to look beyond our lives and classroom and what was happening in the community where we lived. This is how we felt very involved in our community. My sister often taught at the local orphanage with her friends. The exposure gave us not only the chance to meet new people and develop relationships, but also develop confidence within us. I feel that children who are emotionally confident are more likely to succeed in their studies and career as they have little of those negative emotions that can hamper their success.
I love my grandfather who had had a special influence on me. He was there at home when I came back from school and made sure that I hanged and had my lunch before resting. Both my parents were working, and I saw them late in the evening. I can say that he held a significant place in my life, and I simply loved those bedtime stories he had to tell. However, I knew that if he would never interfere in any disciplinary action taken against me if I were at fault. Thus, he never intervened when I was getting scolded by my father or mother. He would simply go to his room, but made sure to come back for my bed time story.
As for my sister, I have always shared a special bond with her. I am far away from her today, but we chat every weekend and share experiences. She wants to study in U.S. too, and my parents are open to the idea. I have never seen them giving me special preference being a male child, and that makes them even all the more special. It is true that how a child develops depends on circumstances, environment, genes, etc. However, it is the sum of all the experiences shared by a child that leave a lasting impression on his personality. My sister has had a major influence on my growing up, and I have learned to be more disciplined and patient from her. We did have our shares of the fight over silly things, but I feel that our parents have always made each of us feel special.
I am fortunate to go to a great school and have made some lovely friends out there. I am glad it was a co-ed school and, therefore, was used to talking and socializing with girls. This is another reason I was able to adjust easily in a new country and felt confident when talking to girls. It is true that what happens to a child outside the parental home also leaves an impact. My parents always knew who I was socializing with and who my current girlfriend was. I must say they did find my attitude going much like other youngsters and found my new hairstyle a bit strange. I remember that my mother worried when I said I wanted a tattoo on my wrist, but after a couple of talks with my father, he did agree to temporary and a smaller one.
One huge advantage of studying in the United States is that you come under the influence of so many cultures and get to meet different students from different countries. Those individuals from different cultures carry different ideas, goals and skills. The languages and cultural differences have made my experience of studying in the United States even more special. I can understand and feel that those foreign students are undergoing the same learning experiences as me. They are learning from me and me from them, and it seems like a continuous process. It seems that out cultural morals influences that we have carried from back home are blending with each other. I have realized that the Western style emphasizes more on self-esteem and freedom of growth. Parents here are more liberal.
The death of my grandfather certainly left a void in my life. He passed away last year when I was at college. My parents never gave me the news thinking I would get disturbed in the middle of my finals. They just told me that he was ill and too weak to talk on the phone. When I flew home that summer, I could feel something was amiss. My family was there, but something was different about them. My parents did not seem that talkative. I was told the truth finally when I reached home and asked to see him. I still remember that sudden clout of sadness that covered me from all sides. I went to his room, hoping that he would be there. However, he was gone forever. I remember breaking down and my father held me in his hands. He knew how special my grandfather was for me. He wanted to come to the US and see me graduate. I miss him terribly even today. There were some family rituals that perhaps helped me to cope with the reality.
Today, I am on the verge of adulthood, and when I look back, I feel completely satisfied with my life, my family, and my education. I look towards the future with great enthusiasm. I am glad the way my life has shaped me, and I have so many people and aspects to be thankful for. Whether it is the parenting style of my parents, environment at home, the social and environmental influences, relationship with my sister or the schooling I had, each influence has played a major role in developing my personality.