Sometimes teens will have a list of things that are important but obviously feel the need to improve on and always get right, for me one of the things on my list are my grades.

Growing up and having parents who didn’t grow up with much opportunities and only want the best for their children, I sometimes may feel the additional pressure to get things

right. It doesn’t mean that I will get things right all the time but it’s a thought that lurks around and repeats itself pretty often. Everytime I choose to look down at my phone instead of continuing on school work, it makes me consider my life choices and think back to my parents.

Knowing that my parents have sacrificed much to get to the point they are at now, leaves to show the standards and decisions I have to partake in. Trying to get the right grades to make my parents feel proud in the way I succeed, it could also leave the pressure of fear in which I may not be able to always end on the right track.

Although I might make it seem like a heavy lift to carry, this pressure is what keeps me stay motivated most of the time when I lose focus. The thought of knowing my parents don’t complain about their childhood and current difficult times, tells me that I shouldn’t be complaining or slacking off at such simple tasks. Which helps me to stay on track, even though there are definitely still times where I think scrolling on my phone some more will do no harm. And because of that I also try leaning towards the fact that my grades won’t just impact me these days but will also affect me in the long run, looking towards the time ahead and incoming responsibilities.

With the help of my parents, I am further allowed to one day reach my goals of not only getting a good future and making myself proud but also making my family proud with their goal of seeing their children succeed.