a member

I’m turning 18 soon, and I feel like no matter what I do, it’s never enough for my parents—especially my mom. As the youngest sibling in an immigrant family from the Philippines, I’ve done everything right. I get straight A's, make the honor roll, sing in choir, and serve as president of a school club. I don’t drink, smoke, or go out partying. Yet, nothing seems to satisfy them. Recently, I won 3rd place in an art competition. When I told my mom, she seemed happy for a second, but then immediately asked, 'Third place? Why couldn't you get first?' I am exhausted and burnt out. I just want freedom—to go out without an extreme curfew like a normal teenager, and to spend time outside the house without her calling every minute or constantly checking my location. I feel like I'm constantly being held in a chokehold. On top of that, whenever my older siblings make hurtful comments, my mom never defends me. She just watches, and when I get visibly hurt, she dismisses it by saying, 'You can't take a joke.' When she does praise me, it feels hollow, like she’s only doing it because she has to. I try to hold everything in, but I can't keep doing it. I don't know what to do or say anymore."