Question of the day

Do you think a person's background is inversely related to his future success? Put another way, do you think that a person from a less well off family is more likely to succeed in the future than a person from a well to do background? I certainly think so. After all, I think that a person's background directly affects his drive, and his ability to shape his own future.

Take my cousin and I for example. Our moms are sisters, and we are only 6 months apart. The difference lies in the fact that I came to the US when I was 10, and he came here in his mid-20s for grad school. I became financially independent in college, sometimes working two jobs at the same time. Mind you, it was my choice to become accountable. As for my recently married cousin, my aunt and uncle are still supporting him. In fact, they are planning his wedding reception right now.

I always remember when my uncle first found out about my internships. He was stunned. Then my uncle told me that he has to beg my cousin to go to work in his company. But then again, that's the fundamental philosophical difference between the east and west... taking care of your kids, and letting them fly.

My dad, however, still wished that I did not make that choice 12 years ago. To me, its made me who I am today.