White Flight? I can\’t believe there is such a term used for Caucasian parents pulling their kids out of school because the school is becoming too Asian dominant.

The article points at the two high schools in Cupertino, in particular, Monta Vista where Caucasian students make up less one third of the student population. The predominant ethnicity? Asian. Because of the Silicon Valley boom, Cupertino has become a hub of technology and thus an increasing number of Asians. Monta Vista is one of the top schools in the nation. And if I was to meet any Asian from Berkeley that was from the South Bay, most likely he or she went to Monta Vista.

Perhaps, the white flight shouldn\’t be too surprisingly. Asian families don\’t emphasize the traditional aspects of high school–the social part, the sports, the community. It\’s about the true logic, the reason. A stereotype, partially true, are that asian american students have more motivation if it\’s only pressure from the parents.

My high school was predominantly Caucasian, but I have noticed in the years that I have graduated that there seems to be an influx of rice rockets in the parking lot. My motivation to succeed came from a family where there was an expectation to succeed. It wasn\’t as direct as my parents telling me that my grades were not good enough. It was my dad saying that he succeeded in immigrating and assimilating in the United States because of his studious habits in undergraduate and graduate school–his fellowships and the like. And the culture among Asian families for members to compare their children with each other. My parents, unlike most Asian parents, are more humble, but I have always felt like I needed to give them a reason to brag if they ever came to that kind of opportunity.

But the article states that schools like Monta Vista hinder emotional development because of the dominance of Asians. I believe it\’s more than that. Sure, all my advanced placement and honors classes were predominantly Asian. But it\’s to be part of a community that helps someone overcome the struggle of high school.

Almost 6 years later, I still look back in (optimistic) bitterness. I resent being an outcast, a reject. I did become someone almost completely opposite. So I wonder what would have happened if I did go to a predominantly Asian school. Or if I had never moved from Hercules and went to Pinole Valley High (one of the lowest rated schools in the county). Would I still be who I am today?

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