Article # 3

What the new generation means

The Bhutanese parents have sacrificed a great deal to make life better for both their children and themselves. The most important reason, unarguably, is that they hope that their kids will grow up to lead a successful life and in turn provide a better foundation for newer generations. I feel that we as children should reciprocate by utilizing the opportunities provided to build a better future for ourselves.

Surely, we cannot be forced into something we don't want to do. And we aren't obligated to do something that we don't like simply to impress our parents. But we should realize that we have access to materials that our parents never had. America offers a wide array of opportunities, and chances are that there will be at least one that caters to you and that you can use to your benefit. But it doesn't stop there. Not only do we, the new generation, have significantly more opportunities than our parents, but the issue of equality also comes to mind. The United States is a land where your opinions can be freely expressed. Independent thought is not only allowed, but encouraged as well. The quote "you weren't born to blend in; you were born to stand out" closely resembles the ideals of America. Our parents have done their part in giving us a chance to shine. Not only do we owe it to them, but we owe it to ourselves to make use of our gifted circumstance.

Our parents see in us the life they wish they had had but never could. But all hope was not lost for them. Essentially, parents see their kids as their very own replicas. By giving us a chance to experience a life in America, they, in a way, were given their own chance to experience such a lifestyle. I don't know about you, but i certainly wouldn't want my parents feeling disappointed about themselves. How can they, after they have done so much for us?

- Divyash Chhetri

USA (Phoenix, Arizona)