Asian kids from Asian families know that there are strict rules to abide by inside the house and outside. It’s hard, at least for me, to openly say what I want or do what I want. My childhood was a bore. I was always taught to be obedient and “perfect”. I felt that I didn’t experience enough as a child. I was like clockwork; sometimes even pretending I’m a robot going to school and back. Due to my obedient personality, I never went out alot. All I ever did for the majority of the past 15 years of my life was staying home and going to school. That really affected my social ability to talk to others, affecting my future of how I should act in a job interview, and open my mind to all the different opportunities there in the world. Participating in APSA (Americans Promoting Study Abroad) allowed me to take a risk for myself and make a decision for myself. I became more confident and rebellious. I will not allow my dull self to go on with life with no direction. After coming back, I matured tremendously; no longer waiting for things to fall into my hand. I decided to become truly independent and rebellious against my parents wishes in making me their “dream” image. I’m no longer a doll. I’m human.