His story is essentially the Asian American Dream but I also agree with him

"...so then i decided that my biceps would become weapons of mass destruction."

Bro just rolls out of bed spitting facts.

Superbly put. Most parents live their dreams through their kids. And more often than not, the kids land up hating what their parents expected of them.

My grandma once told me you came here to live not to succeed. I didn’t understood what she meant back then. Rest In Peace grandma.

Bro woke up and decided to do an interview right away

The most significant thing he said, “…sometimes what is the best isn’t right.” A life lesson well learned. I would love to know what he is doing now.

Tiger parents… As a South Korean, my parents acted like merciful tyrants in many times… Dear all sons and daughters of Tiger Parents, you survived. And I hope you to live a life full of happiness and love not oppression and low self esteem😢

His arms understood the assignment. Harvard strong

The harsh reality that few people will tell you is that, yes, you do need to make money, and quite frankly, a lot of it. But then you need to create meaning in your life, whether that is through raising a family, hobbies, volunteering, etc. Life without both is incredibly hard.

In the Asian culture, he is a good son. He made his parents’ dream came true and now he’s learning to pursue his. Even if his parents weren’t entirely right, they lead him in the right direction.

Im Asian and my parents instilled MD MD MD ... I eventually went to one of 3 top pre-Med schools ...Then dropped out after the first year...I was miserable, tortured and hated hated being in the hospital with a passion... Now I run my own passion businesses and make more money than most surgeons anyways ... Oh and I'm still paying off my student loans

There is a lot of pressure being a child from immigrant parents. Personally, my mom never pushed me to be the best in school. I put that pressure on myself and it was very hard, still continues to be hard, to go easy on myself. I believed that getting into a good college, having a good job, and finally being financially stable would be the ultimate goal to provide for my mom who struggled so much for my siblings and I. My mom passed when I was 15 so that dream came crashing down when my motive for success disappeared. I’m thankful I can provide for myself to this day, but it’s not always easy to feel complete within yourself when you had all these un/intentional pressures instilled in you from a young age.

Sometimes parents do this for three reasons…it’s an extension of their unfulfilled self dreams, fear of the assurance for older age living and reputation . Parents may mean well but it doesn’t always ends well.

My Korean parents never instilled any of that on me. They were so busy working, and I think they just trusted me in whatever I did. For a time I wasn't even going to college, they still supported me no matter what. I was a late bloomer. Got my bachelors at age 28 in Computer science, now I make 6 figures and I love that I can support my wife and kids. I will never tell my kids how to live their life. until they turn 18, I will try my absolute best to shape their character into an objectively decent human being. After that, if they become a technician, tattoo artist, mechanic, or whatever job Asian parents think of as "failures", so be it, as long as they are happy I am all in for them. The trust that my parents gave me allowed me to fully explore myself and yes, it took me much much longer than someone like this dude but I love what I do and I know exactly why I am doing it.

I feel african kids (especially the ones living abroad) can relate 😅 too. My mom would tell you this "the only way to survive in america is school/education or the way to success to school" she wanted me to do somethin' in the health field mehnn i hated nothin' was clickin' for me i was depressed. Long story short, i didn't take any classes or go to school for two years (this was during early into the pandemic) then developed a pasion for tech/IT changed to computer science last year then this i changed to cybersecurity currently taken classes hopin' to finish in 2025 on the sidebeen studyin' for certifcations to put on resume and apply to a job. Mehhnn it been quite rollercoaster for me and more to come.

My dad grew up in complete poverty with 11 siblings and luckily he has always been the type of person who didn't care much about wealth at all. He taught me lots of wise life lessons and he is the type of person to value the afterlife more than some temporary money and status. Love my dad for never being superficial and always being there for me ♡

My dad and mom were happy as fuk when I went to a community college. I love my parents.

This dude works out a lot.

I wish growing up. I had this kind of advice from my parents. They didnt care if I got a degree or even saved up money. So I give credit to his family. At least they cared about your future.

His looks: 🙂 His arms: 💪

I was pressured academically but not to any severe degree…I just made sure I got straight A’s…but my father always told me to go into engineering and that he knows other people who’s kids are making 100 grand to start..always being pushed in a direction that didn’t suit me didn’t get me anywhere…I ended up not following my parents dreams or my dreams because I was confused and have zero confidence…everyone wants their children to be have more than they do but money is not always the answer

This guy looks like he has a major sleeper build 💪

steve jobs when steve unemployment walks in

“The road to hell is paved with Ivy League degrees.”

when rich people say they care about money and pretty people don't care about looks is because they already have it and don't need more

That was a big one for me to finally realize, how even though my parents want the best for me they actually dont know what is and isnt right and following their wishes and advice has never really served me while following my own instincts (even when it worries them) has had good outcomes for my personal well-being

They actually set him up for success. They did more for him then he realized... He build solid foundation and wouldn't realize how 'world works' today without his parents guidance. It is precisely his parents that shaped him.

The reason he has a multitude of choices now and CAN do what he wants to do is because his parents nurtured him and enabled him to get a good education. That’s what a lot of Asian kids don’t understand. Asian parents pick a high-achieving goal for you, but you’re also supposed to be growing your own mind and you can change it if you feel passionate about something else. The main lesson is to aim high and work hard towards a goal.

Parents guide their children to the parents' dream. they see their children as an extension of themselves. Parents rarely see their children as separate individuals

Wise words from a young guy on the right track to happiness.

He: telling something very imp Me: looking at his arms

Honestly he’s gonna be thankful that he is financially stable first, then get to do what he actually likes, then.

I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have parents that set me up for success without falling into the trap of measuring success with arbitrary end goals. Instead of focusing only on results, focus on building your child up now, so they can achieve whatever they want later. Otherwise, if they fail to meet the high expectations, they’ll see themselves as a failure and that low self-efficacy can become a huge mental barrier preventing them from further pursuing and achieving what they’re capable of. If they do reach the goals set by parents, maybe they’ll be happy, but there’s a good chance they’re left feeling unhappy and burnt out. Spending your life pursuing goals set by others will ultimately result in the realization that you’ve spent all this time and energy on getting something that you never even wanted for yourself. And if you have something else you realize you want to pursue instead, you have to forgo everything you’ve invested into the last thing, which can be a hard jump not everyone is willing to make. Some would rather stay on their current path even though they hate it because it provides security. For context I am not a first or second generation immigrant although I come from a culture and community that extremely values education and investing in valuable skills to build generational wealth. I understand how immigrant parents have preconceived notions of what end-goals their children should achieve though, especially considering being in a new and strange society and the desire to quickly build generational wealth. So just remember y’all, appreciate and take advantage of the opportunities your parents give you. If you’re high achieving because of high expectations, you’ve opened a lot of doors. Just make sure that you walk through a door that you chose. Pursuing and achieving goals you set for yourself will only strengthen and enable you to reach greater successes. Remember that you are investing in yourself, and only you can define what success means.

Absolutely no one (not even your parents) can know what is best for you.....that's in your soul and you have to be brave enough to listen to it and follow it. Your path is only yours. ❤

Once your needs are met your time is more valuable than any amount if money.

I fell into the same problem, taking advice from people I loved but who grew up in another time. Gotta do what you want for YOU

I wish I had parents that cared enough about me to guide me towards anything

Some real truth! He finally became wise! Parents should not coach their kids and plan their futures. They are not robots. They are real living being who deserve to live their lives to maximize their dreams and happiness.

Always take advise from someone you wish you were, not someone who thinks they know best for you.

The worst part is trying to rewire your brain to think else wise . Its like betrayal of your parents but not really,

Once I graduated from high school, it made me realize that I was already more educated than either of my parents and they genuinely couldn’t help me any further than that.

At least he used this whole situation to make a story that would pave whatever path to him

Dude they don’t have internet and social media back then. The good intention is still there as a parent regardless

i want this dude to read me bedtime stories i love his voice

So true. You gotta find your own path and not the one your parents wanted for you.

Spitting facts in less than 1 minute

My parents just gaslit me 😂

He looks really sad and sound like he regrets a lot of things I hope he find his happiness ❤

As soon layed eyes on the guy on the thumbnail i knew what he was gonna say

Yo, he been working out. Good for him.

Same here went to Harvard for my dad, while in school being super focused on medicine- soon as I graduated Covid came as my first year out- then BOOM I got to get vaccinated - Now I’m FULLTIME sick my ear ring all day long and my dad is old- still asking me when I’m going back to school- like dude YOU GO- ur parents aren’t YOU. Don’t live your life for them.

They did give him good advice though since he now has the privilege to reflect on what makes him happy. They did their job as parents.

He was living his parents dreams not his dream

He does know how lucky he is….

Getting into Harvard as an Asian is next level difficulty, they discriminate against them hardcore

I realized that it doesn't mean the older the person, the smarter they are. I saw this on my parents and relatives, they always act they know everything, but when you ask them what they know, they don't actually have knowledge about certain things in the world. So you better not take all of old people's suggestions about what you should do, what course you should take in college. Because when it's all done, you'll end up realizing you did things that you don't actually want, worse is you forgot you own potential and end up wasting lots of time building yourself because you keep chasing others people's expectations and dreams.

I'm an asian american and just graduated from highschool. But in senior year is when I realized this.

This guy seems like the type that will be super successful doing literally anything

I managed to get one of those dream jobs, and it turned out I didn't like it. I had to tell myself that it was worth it, cuz everyone was so impressed, and so I developed a shitty "I'm better than you" attitude. Then I finally realized I was miserable and left. I'm a broke student now, redirecting my life, and I've never been happier ❤

He's honest about his experience.

So true. People basically want to do what excites them and enjoy. Not be just rich. But have loads of friends and enjoy with them.

Do what you love - rest comes by itself.

They just wanted you to be the best prepared for life they could think of. After they know that YOU know you can do it, you can go off and become a pizza maker. The important part is that you are fully aware and capable of many more options in life.

To have a good education is important. Now he can make tones of money and every doors are open for him. Even if you don't like something do it cause you can learn a lot and take everything you can as knowledges to grown mature and evolve in this wolrd. You don't need to learn only what you love sometimes stuffs you dislike are useful to learn for the future. Your parents were right. Even if you don't like it now your education is good you can do anything.

Good for him, his soul speaks.

I'm 26 and more and more I'm realizing how my parents were just winging it the whole time. They still are! There's still a lot they do not know, things they are afraid of, and things that they might never experience, and that's okay. I'm proud of them seeing how they've handled things especially now that I'm around their age when they started having a family.

I simply want to be “happy”. If you can be happy with the basic needs. That’s all we need, but this society wants you to think otherwise….

“If I have seen further,” Isaac Newton wrote in a 1675 letter to fellow scientist Robert Hooke, “it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” We can see further than our parents because they put us on their shoulders.

They put you on your right position. Thanks to their wings. ❤

“And never about combing my hair.”

Sheesh, I feel really bad for the Harvard educated investment banker

Absolutely love the conversations you’re having. This is so very much on point with the experiences many of us had growing up. Excellent conversation!! Keep up the great work! ❤

That last part about parents not understanding jack shi about the world is relatable as a mf. I have parents that think the same exact way.

The problem with parents is that they act like they know all the answers and think its easy once you graduate. It ain't easy... Smh. Especially if you suffer from mental health issues. Its getting more common for young people to lose their minds these days because they are truly lost and misguided.

The problem is... for most people you have to go through all of that to know for sure if its for you or not. And by then, you've already worked so hard for it, it feels like a waste to just give it up.

The world will never change, his parents understanding of it is spot on. Education, money, companionship, connections/networking, authority/power. My mom came from nothing so she told me to do the same as his parents said. As soon as I got there, I too realized that I wanted something different. Even though it’s different it still falls within those lines. I studied real estate after college made good money that founded other investments, found my soulmate made tons of connections that helped me with my projects. I was able to become completely independent and had the power to create my own schedule.

A lot of ppl need to learn this glad I did when I was in his go school even though it gav me entitlement issues I’m glad I got over them because some ppl will carry that shizz to there grave

This guy speaks on behalf of 90% of asians. Period. I feel you bro!!

Congrats on your achievements!❤

All those three things that you stated only meant that they want you to be successful and not have to worry about you when they pass away. So to me that's them doing the best that they can and what any other parent would want for their child if they were good parents that actually cared. Even though times are changing and are different than how our parents experienced it, they still just want the best for you if they are actually genuine

He is a really fine man🙂

Not everyone was meant to go to college. So in other words pick up a trade.

It's interesting that he has this insight, but he will still not question someone in authority, such as government, even though, as he says, they are no smarter than he is.

Yeah... Find your passion AFTER you secure your basic needs. His parents were right. Harvard will always pay off.

Most important he got the sleeper built. 🗿

Holy crap, I’m going through the same thing, I’m taking a gap year, and my family is upset of my decision I know they want the best but I don’t think it’s right.

Ang payo ng magulang ko makapagtapos ng pag-aaral, magkaron ng trabaho at maging successful. Kaya ganyan kasi hindi naman kami mayaman. Mahirap walang pera kapag nangailangan ka ng pera.

this is so true, same goes for me. My parents talked about getting into iit ever since I was young, so it also became my dream . but now that I am here , I almost hate it

Such a respectful way to say that. I think the same but I never put it that way...

Parents do k ow everything and to know that is powerful

I needed to hear this so bad right now

parents think best for their children. you're lucky to have parents that will do everything to make your life easier.

What your parents did know prevented you from suffering the way they did and allowed you the freedom to now pave your own oath. Gratitude my brother.

“You can be smarter than your parents but you can’t be better than them.”It’s a challenging decision bc my parents put everything on the line for me to go to a good school yet their understanding of the world is not that good. I decided to obey them bc I want to succeed and give them a good life

This is really interesting to me to hear. I'm Vietnamese, but I was adopted. I didn't grow up with the typical Asian American pressures children of immigrants experience. My parents encouraged me to just do whatever made me happy. My family is full of Ivy alumni, but I was never pressured to follow in their footsteps

As a mum of three, I’ve seen how the education system favours a certain type of smarts but not necessarily the sort that gives you good success. Existing outside of those parameters and thriving, living life and not having your life leave from u… success has many definitions. You find the one that suits u, u find the off beaten path for it, and u pursue it with passion. Love what u do and u will never feel like you’re working… ♥️

Basically every asian dad.

Hard earned wisdom here! Thank you.

Facts sometimes your parents just give bad advice, over time especially in your 20s you realize what they didn't understand or the bad decisions they make