What was the environment in which you were raised? Describe your family, home, neighborhood or community, and explain how it has shaped you as a person. Suggested word limit : 350-500 words
The droplets of water trickled down the window sill as I stared out into the foggy sky. I couldn't stop thinking about my family. Early on, I realized that my family only consisted of me and my parents. What was it like to play with a brother or sister? What did it feel like to argue endlessly over petty matters with a sibling? These are things that I never knew, and never will. Despite my relentless efforts to convince my parents to have another child, I eventually learned that I needed to entertain my own needs.
As a child, I envied my friends that had siblings and convinced myself that my life would simply be mundane without them. But over the years, I got used to my loneliness and started engaging in other activities. Having an innate affinity towards dance, I found Bharatanatyam to be a quality outlet for my boredom. Not only did I acquire a skill I continue to practice today, but meeting up with groups and managing people helped me develop leadership qualities and communication skills. By constantly engaging in discussions and performing with other dancers, I cultivated a strong social mindset. Being a part of the dance community allowed me to gain essential skills, but at the same time, I also gained self-awareness as I saw myself grow from a timid individual to an effective communicator.
Outside dance, I found further solace in my academic endeavors. Growing up, I found the world to be alien and unfamiliar without someone from whom I could learn; going to school and making friends are a few examples of things I had to figure out on my own. Observing and using my instincts were qualities that helped me compensate for the fact that I didn’t have any other role model other than my parents. And in turn, these qualities have also helped foster the independence in which I currently take a lot of pride.
Being the only child, my parents would be more than interested in hearing about the activities I was involved in at school. Sharing my different experiences, I ultimately became closer and established a strong, powerful relationship with my parents at home. Some may see this as the inherent “extra attention” I received from being the only child. In my eyes, I see that my parents and I have developed an open relationship, and in turn, we are a family that enjoys spending time together. Likewise, I have seen myself ease into conversations with peers, and I have ultimately become one that can form lasting relationships with people.
To this day, I regret not having another sibling to share my childhood years. However, I have learned to use the challenges as opportunities to help me grow into the strong, and confident person I am today.