Summary

A first-generation immigrant child recounts the emotional journey of defying family expectations to pursue a career in law, ultimately choosing a path in social justice and writing, despite initial parental disapproval.

Abstract

The narrative describes the internal conflict of a first-generation child who, from a young age, aspired to be a writer but faced pressure to choose a profession deemed respectable by their immigrant parents—specifically, becoming a doctor, lawyer, or engineer. Despite excelling academically and following the predetermined path to law school, the child realizes a deep-seated aversion to a legal career. The pivotal moment comes when they opt for an AmeriCorps program over law school, leading to a career in social justice and a return to writing, much to their mother's initial dismay. The story concludes with a reconciliation of sorts, as the child acknowledges the sacrifices of their parents while emphasizing the importance of personal fulfillment and the diverse paths to success among first-generation children.

Opinions

The author believes that the value of education is paramount in immigrant families, as it is seen as a gateway to a better life.
There is a strong opinion that children of immigrants often face the expectation to follow specific, socially prestigious career paths chosen by their parents.
The author expresses that while making parents happy is a significant goal for first-generation kids, personal passion and job satisfaction are equally important.
The narrative suggests that deviating from the traditional career paths set by parents can initially be met with disappointment but can lead to personal growth and eventual acceptance.
The author implies that President Bill Clinton's endorsement of AmeriCorps carries significant weight, particularly within the Ghanaian community, which helped in gaining parental approval for their non-traditional career choice.
The author humorously refers to the "Disgrace Table," a group of like-minded individuals who have also chosen unconventional career paths, indicating a sense of camaraderie and support among those who break away from parental expectations.

Destined to Be a… Doctor, Lawyer, Engineer, OR A DISGRACE

This image sums up EVERY 1st GEN KID’S LIFE

Telling my mom, I wasn’t going to Law School or going to be a Lawyer was the scariest thing.

Let’s start from the beginning, at age 7 I told my mom that I was going to be a writer! Her response: Nnanasome, don’t you love mommy?

Confused?

What does loving her and becoming a writer have to do with each other?

She told me-if I loved her that I would become a doctor, lawyer, or an engineer.

Two things every 1 Gen will understand:

1. The value of education.

2. One must follow the path your parents have chosen.

So, I chose to follow the lawyer path. I studied hard in school, took all the AP courses and college prep classes I could stomach, took Latin, and eventually majored in Political Science. I was on my way to become a Lawyer except, I didn’t want to go to law school and even if I did, what would I specialize in? I loved my International Relations courses so I thought International Law? But it didn’t matter because I didn’t want become anything on the list of jobs a 1st Gen kid is required to be.

I cried the day before the LSAT. I never wanted to be a lawyer, I enjoyed helping others and that is what a lawyer does or should do (yes, it’s shade), but I just didn’t want to do it. Two months before my crying episode, my friend encouraged me to apply for an AmeriCorps program which I did-I had two interviews which went well and coincidently, my final interview came the day before the LSAT. The interviewer called me while I was crying and after the interview, I went back to crying.

Now! We are finally at the stage where I tell my mom that I am not going to Law school- it was December 25, 2010 at 2:30 pm. My mom grabbed my hands and took me upstairs to her room because she said she needed to pray for me because I seem so tense and she feels like I need to tell her something (mother’s intuition). After she prayed, I told her that I wasn’t going to law school and after graduation I was moving to Manchester, New Hampshire to work with City Year New Hampshire (all in one breath). She got up and left, and the whole day she spoke TWI! Now, in my family you can tell how mad my parents are by what language they start and end with. If they start with Twi and end in English then you just need to say I’m sorry. But-English and end with Twi? They are thoroughly pissed and you should probably run for cover, clean the whole house, OR become a Doctor, Lawyer, or Engineer.

My mom started with silence and then Twi and some more Twi and Ghanaian Gospel music (dangerous combo). It wasn’t until my Dad came home and told her how much Bill Clinton loves AmeriCorps and contributes to the program that she became fine with the idea.

*Note*Ghanaian’s love President Bill Clinton and he is amazing in the eyes of many of my African aunties and uncles.

Ok! Nnanasome-go to Ameri-whatever and then do Law school.

Which subsequently didn’t happen because after AmeriCorps- I moved to Arizona to join the Social Justice Movement and received an MA in Social Justice, worked for two Nonprofits, and started writing again. *Sorry Mom* But on the upside, my sister who is the “rebel queen” of our family became a Clinical Counselor and my little brother is Pre-Med. I think she’ll be fine.

As a 1st Gen kid, your goal is to make your parents happy. Why?

Because they moved from their homeland so their children can receive a better life, education, opportunities, and won’t have to suffer like they did; but I also think you owe it to yourself to do something you love. If it’s being in the Medical field, a Lawyer, or Engineer/Accountant-that’s fine and if it’s not, that’s fine too! My friends and I are always looking for new members to join the DISGRACE TABLE.