Parental Influence and the Path to Success

Often, discussions around parental influence and their impact on one's worldview and personal achievements can be contentious. In this article, we explore the perspectives of a retired professional who reflects on her journey, emphasizing the role of her parents and the impact of their beliefs on her career success.

Unshakeable Worldview and Racial Identity

Some argue that being brought up in a specific racial context can shape one's worldview. For instance, the color of one's parents' skin might bring a sense of unshakeable belief in one's capabilities, despite external challenges. However, a personal reflection reveals that while her parents were white, it was other factors that determined her success.

She states, 'I have no idea what you are rambling on about. Why would my parents’ color influence my world view? My success was primarily driven by my gender rather than my race.'

Reflecting on her career journey, she details her numerous milestones, from being the first female disc jockey to holding high-ranking positions in various industries. Her achievements were not just a result of her gender but also a testament to her perseverance and hard work. She emphasizes, 'It wasn’t because of the color of my skin, it was because I was a female.'

Support for Kamala Harris

The retired professional is a strong supporter of Kamala Harris for her fight against both gender and racial inequalities. Harris serves as a double battle winner - a woman of color who has overcome significant obstacles to reach the highest levels of political office.

"I know that she is fighting a double battle of gender and race and that she is fighting harder than I had to in order to achieve her goal. I am so supportive of her hard work to get this done," she adds. Harris’s success highlights the challenges faced by women of color in politics and beyond.

Parental Expectations and Self-Sufficiency

The retired professional’s reflections also delve into the role of her parents in shaping her character and work ethic. She acknowledges that being brought up by parents who were both loving and tough played a significant role in her life.

“My parents never just handed us anything. They expected us all three boys to work for what we got. And they insisted on us being in school and going to college no matter what,” she explains. These expectations instilled a sense of unshakeable belief in her and her siblings, teaching them the value of hard work and self-sufficiency.

Her parents also provided guidance, helping her siblings get a first car as long as they had part-time jobs, and assigning age-appropriate chores such as feeding horses and chickens, mowing the lawn, and weeding the garden. These activities reinforced the value of self-sufficiency, even though she acknowledges that depending on others is sometimes necessary.

From her perspective, these experiences shaped her understanding that independence and hard work are key components of success, despite the undeniable support and influence of her parents.

Reflecting on her journey, she concludes, "I worked hard to prove I could do most of those jobs that before me only men were hired to do. It's not always fair, but that's just how it is."

The article not only emphasizes the crucial role of parental influence but also highlights the intersectionality of gender and racial identity in shaping one's pathway to success. It also underscores the importance of perseverance and the value of working hard for self-sufficiency.