Trial and Error

Hey Champs

My mom grew up in Tamil Nadu, India, and had a fairly carefree and simple childhood. A star student—hardworking, and friendly—her daily routine was filled with structure: wake up, complete her morning duties, attend math tuition, go to school, snack, return to tuition, have dinner, and then sleep. There was little time for friends or leisure activities. 

There was a reason for the strange cycle. During my grandmother’s time, around 70 years ago, women’s interests were often stifled before they had the chance to bloom. My grandmother grew up as one of seven siblings, with scarce opportunities for girls, but she defied expectations. A brave, strong, and independent woman, she earned a Ph.D, raised four children, and worked as a zoology professor. At a time when most women were expected to be housewives, she was the first girl in our family to attend college. Her accomplishments are a testament to her determination.

Though well-educated, my grandmother had little time for hobbies. Her focus was on ensuring her children succeeded in life, and that dedication paid off—each of her children are now successful software engineers.

Now, back to my mom. Since childhood, she dreamed of pursuing something in the arts—whether it was dance, Carnatic music, henna, or drawing. Although she wasn’t completely deprived of these joys, they were limited. During her college years, she had the opportunity to explore stained glass painting, but her other passions were put aside. And whatever became of those dreams? They were passed down to her only daughter—me.

I wasn’t particularly artistic, though. I preferred speaking and leadership roles. Singing brought me joy, but it brought even more joy to my mother. Seeing me sing reignited a piece of her own dreams, like reclaiming the moments she never got to experience for herself. Singing became a bridge between my mother’s unfulfilled passions and my own, but over time, I began to feel less connected to it. One evening, I told my mom that I wanted to stop. The words felt heavy, as if I was letting her down. But her response surprised me—there was no backlash, just acceptance. She valued my happiness more than her own imagination.

One point I wanted to share is my journey with art. From kindergarten to second grade, I worked primarily with oil pastels. From second to fourth grade, I used both colored pencils and oil pastels. By sixth grade, I started drawing more with colored pencils. As time passed, my drawings improved significantly. The drawing classes were definitely fun, but I don't think my art ever quite measured up to the level I was expecting. 

During the summer after eighth grade, I decided to try henna, and it turns out I was pretty good at it. Henna can be a bit messier, but I found it much more enjoyable. Now, I have beautiful henna designs that I will cherish. 

Another way my mother pushed me toward her unfulfilled passions was through Indian classical dance, specifically Bharatanatyam. At first, it felt like just another forced activity. I joined mainly to appease my mom and ease the longing she carried from her younger years. I would often hear my mother and grandmother talk about how my mom would have excelled in dance had she started earlier in life. So, for the first two years of my dance journey, I attended classes begrudgingly.

However, over time, I began to develop connections with the people around me—my fellow dancers and my instructor. Slowly, I eased into the world of dance. I found myself falling in love with the discipline and structure that classical art provides. Now, I can't imagine my life without Bharatanatyam, and I’m grateful my mom encouraged me in that direction. Dance has awakened a sense of purpose in my life, grounding me and giving me something to work toward. It’s become a passion I didn’t expect to find.

When I reflect on it, I realize that my mom's insistence on this path was ultimately a gift. It shaped me into the person I am today, and I appreciate it. My mother always encouraged me to try different forms of art, but it was never something she forced me to do. Once I decided I'd had enough, that was final. She taught me that trying was more than enough. 

Alongside my mom’s influence in the arts, my parents also nudged me towards sports. As I mentioned, I’m active but not particularly sporty. I enjoy biking in the summer and playing badminton with friends, but I’m not one for competitive sports. However, I love trying new things, and if there’s an opportunity to challenge myself, I’ll seize it. Rock climbing is something I’ve enjoyed, and I’d love to do more of it. Hiking is another activity I’m passionate about.

My dad, on the other hand, is a sports enthusiast. He’s into everything—from volleyball and tennis to table tennis, badminton, cricket, hiking, biking, and even a bit of soccer. He’s always embraced every opportunity to engage in sports, making it a central part of his life. It’s inspiring to watch him excel in whatever sport he chooses.

When I was around nine, my dad encouraged me to get more involved in sports. The first activity he introduced me to was tennis. I found it enjoyable but didn’t see it as a long-term passion. Next came ice skating, a pursuit more influenced by my mom. I spent four years ice skating and mastered the basics. Though I was able to glide with ease and perform small turns, I realized it wasn’t something I wanted to pursue further.

Speaking of winter sports, I developed a strong interest in skiing. My dad was quick to support this newfound passion, and now, it’s something I look forward to every winter. I’m proud to say I’ve even tackled Black Diamond slopes—something I never thought I’d be able to do.

In addition to skiing, my dad introduced me to hiking. He’s planned some extravagant courses for us to explore, and we’ve shared many incredible adventures. One of the most memorable was when we climbed Rainbow Mountain in Peru. It was an unforgettable experience.

To conclude, my family has always pushed me in ways I never could have imagined. They motivate me to be my best in everything I do. Sometimes, their encouragement feels overwhelming, but deep down, I know it’s all for my own good. If I ever resist a sport or decide not to pursue something, they never force me. Instead, they give me the space to make my own decisions while continuing to support me in every way. 

I’m truly grateful for everything they’ve done for me. I honestly don’t know where I’d be without their guidance and love. 

To wrap up this blog, just for fun, here's a list of things I've tried but haven't stuck with:

• Carnatic music class
• Western Music 
• 4H Robotics
• Swimming
• Trumpet
• Ice skating
• Tennis
• Public speaking
• Henna
• Oil pastel art
• Colored pencil art
• God songs
• Tamil class

Thank you for reading

-AMS