Customs and Beliefs It all began during the month of August of 1999. At the age of sixteen, I felt like a car driving on thin ice because I had no control over my decision making. My decision making capabilities were very slim because my parents were very strict on customs, rituals, and especially religion. I felt as if I was stranded on a miniature island in the pacific ocean because I didn’t have the …showed first 75 words of 665 total…

…showed last 75 words of 665 total…of my parents. Standing up for myself was the most important aspect because it helped me gain confidence in myself. I learned that by going against my parents, I let them know who I really am. I have nothing against my parents, but I feel that its imperative for today’s teenagers to make proper decisions to better shape their future. If you let others make critical decisions for you, it may limit your outcome.