Life Away From Home
“Keeping Close to Home” by Gloria Watkins is about Watkins’s life when she went off to college and the choices she made. Watkins also notes the challenges she had to face growing up with strict parents; on the other hand, she has values influenced by many sources. Listening to her grandmother’s quilt-making story and family history shaped Watkins. She also admired the way her dad was a hard worker and an example of diligence, which affected her to become a better person. Watkins chose to go to college far away even though her parents did not accept it because they are scared college would change her. Her parents also bought her books to use, but they threatened to burn the books if she did not satisfy their expectations. Watkins is right because it is true that many people’s values are influenced by sources other than just parents.
For most people going off to college that is far away from home creates a huge impact on a teen’s life. Going off to college as a young adult adds a sense of adventure into their usually heavily controlled lives, moving from an oppressive rule by their parent’s harsh rules and schedule, they will now go off on their own into the wild unknown. Independence now because a necessary skill for any inspiring college student and going away from the routine of everyday parent life. This conflicts with my parents because they want me to pursue a career on opportunities instead of interests. As I am in college right now, I believe pursuing in what my parents want me to be is difficult for me because it feels like I have to go by what they want and not what I want. These students are now separating themselves from the closest strings they had with home and this experience will determine whether they still need the support or can stand on their own. In my experience, although I live 2 hours away from home, I realized living my life everyday without my parents being here for me is difficult. I have to learn to be more...