In "The Achievement of Desire," Richard Rodriguez reflects on his experience as a scholarship boy and the ways in which his education both helped and hindered his relationship with his family and his sense of identity.
Rodriguez begins by describing his childhood as the son of working-class Mexican immigrants. He was a good student and earned a scholarship to a prestigious university, where he excelled academically. However, he also describes feeling a sense of alienation and disconnection from his family and his cultural heritage. He became ashamed of his background and tried to distance himself from it in order to fit in with his more affluent and educated peers.
As he progressed through his education, Rodriguez realized that the scholarship boy is expected to succeed academically, but is also expected to leave behind their past and their culture in order to fully assimilate into mainstream society. This created a conflict for Rodriguez, who valued his education and the opportunities it provided, but also felt a sense of loss and betrayal as he abandoned his cultural identity.
Throughout the essay, Rodriguez grapples with these conflicts and the toll they took on his relationships with his family and his sense of self. He writes about the feeling of disconnection and estrangement that came with his pursuit of education and success, and the ways in which it affected his relationships with his parents and siblings.
Ultimately, Rodriguez concludes that the "achievement of desire" is a complex and difficult process that requires a balance between personal ambition and the maintenance of cultural and personal identity. He advises future scholarship boys to be mindful of this balance and to find ways to honor and celebrate their cultural heritage, even as they pursue their education and professional goals.
In conclusion, "The Achievement of Desire" is a thought-provoking and insightful reflection on the challenges and conflicts faced by scholarship boys as they navigate the expectations and demands of education and success. Rodriguez's personal story serves as a cautionary tale for those who seek to achieve their desires, reminding them of the importance of preserving their cultural identity and maintaining meaningful connections with their loved ones.
