<p>I'm not quite sure what prompt to use this for yet, maybe the CommonApp "challenging ideas" or "transition to adulthood," or maybe even the UC experience prompt. I would have to twist it slightly for any prompt, but I'm basically wondering if this topic is okay or if it seems too teen-angsty or something.</p>
<pre><code>If a kindergarten teacher asks a class of five-year-olds to draw pictures of their heros, the vast majority of them will proudly display a sloppy depiction of their mom or dad. Kids tend to look up to their parents, and it is no wonder; they are the only adults they have really been exposed to. As a result, what comes out of a parents mouth is often revered by their children as if it were the word of God. For the first dozen or so years of life, kids tend to be a reflection of their parents ideas and beliefs. It isnt until they learn to question things and think for themselves that kids truly break away from their parents and become their own individual.
I experienced this firsthand. I remember looking at my mom and wanting to be just like her when I grew up; I even used to pretend to talk on the phone for hours because thats what I saw her doing, regardless of the fact that I didnt actually know
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<p>what her job was. When it came to her, my ears had no filters whatsoever, and whatever she said was law. Even little, insignificant things - like her hatred for Chihuahuas - had a definite effect on me. For the most part, it wasnt negative; I was simply an ambitious child trying to emulate my mother whom I loved.
As I grew older, though, she began to voice her opinions openly to me on deeper issues. Her rigid political stances became the main topic of the dinner table, and although I sometimes questioned what she said, I eventually learned to keep my ideas to myself out to avoid upsetting her. It was simply easier that way. However, the things that got under my skin more than anything else were the little comments she would make in passing, like calling some stranger walking down the street a freak if they dressed oddly, or a loser if they had tattoos. This consistent judgment of others with no real basis didnt sit well with me - what does someones choice of style have to do with their character? Soon, the effects of her harsh remarks were reflected in my life as I began to fear the judgment of others more and more. I felt like every person I passed by was examining me for faults, even though that wasnt true in the slightest. It wasnt until I was able to come to terms with the fact that my mothers comments were downright wrong that I began to see the world as a much more inviting place.
I love my mom, I really do, and I will be eternally grateful for all she has done for me. She is smart and courageous, and in so many ways I wish I were more like her. However, as I matured I gradually came to the inevitable realization that she is far from perfect. When I was able to recognize this, it opened up a new world to me - I learned to question, disagree, and think for myself. While my blissful state of ignorance was shattered, I am beyond thrilled that I learned that difficult lesson. For one, it has allowed me to have a much healthier relationship with my mom; while I respect her opinions, I no longer feel a pang of guilt when mine do not coincide. Instead, I speak up and voice my thoughts, with her as well as with others. I have grown into my own individual with my own beliefs, ideas, and ambitions. The stark contrast between my seventeen year old self and my twelve year old self is largely due to that shocking realization: Mom is not always right, and thats okay. As a naive little kindergartener, I would have never hesitated to say that my mom was the most influential person to me, but I never thought my mom would end up shaping my life by teaching me how to shape my own.</p>