Why are there young people who go to Ivy League schools and become CEOs, scientists, and senators? For many, it is because their family taught them the value of hard work and education, and sponsored the opportunity for them to be educated.
Why are there young people in prisons, entangled in addictions, and prostituting themselves? For many, it is because they did not have a family that taught them positive values and gave them positive opportunities. For many, it is because they had no family.
Both groups of young people are accountable for their actions and the path that they choose, but family plays an important role in setting the course.
I was born in Uzbekistan and moved to America with my family when I was three. Uzbekistan is a country with extractive political institutions. If we had stayed there, I would have grown up picking cotton every September instead of starting school, like the children do there even now.
So why am I where I am today? Why am I graduating college and applying for a fellowship program?
Because, as the youngest in my family, I reap the blessings of having parents who worked hard to establish our family in this country and older siblings who continue to work hard and provide for me. Circumstances in their lives caused them to sacrifice an education. Their sacrifices have made it possible for me to graduate from college and pursue better opportunities.
I am humbled by the grace of God towards me through my family.
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