CARIMAC Times 2016: The JREAM Edition Journalists Reviving Awareness of what Matters | Page 54

the decision-making in the lives of their children in
a controlling way. If the child is to fill out a form to
go to college, the parent does this for them.”
She further explained that very often, these children
never get the chance to grow up. They also do not
know how to face the world and deal with challenges
because their parent has always been there doing
everything for them.
Frustrated and unhappy
Salter noted that he did research and presented
it to his parents in an effort to convince them that
graphic designing is what he wants to pursue. In the
research, which explicitly highlighted the passion he
had for this career, he presented information that
showed graphic designing is a feasible field, with
the availability of jobs, a decent salary and several
added benefits.

He had a look of despair on his face as he said his
parents were not convinced. At that time, his older
sister — who is an accountant in the United States
of America — was gaining a lot of success.
“It’s their money spending anyway, so I can’t really say
no or I am not doing this or doing that. I was just so
tired of trying and ended up doing what they want
me to do,” he said as he turned his head and looked
at the people walking by.
He said his father is a very stubborn person. After
finishing sixth form, he enrolled at the UWI and
started reading for an accounting degree, just like
his father wanted. His father was delighted, but he
was not.
During his first year at the UWI, he said he lived on
campus and did not speak with his parents for a year.

50