Affirmative Action

The first time I was introduced to affirmative action, I didn't know that that was the official name for the "action." I was maybe around 11-13 years old, and my mom yelled, "Mei-An, guess what, colleges are looking for Asians to add to their campuses to bring up their diversity." I didn't understand why she was so excited, and my reply was less than thrilling to her. "Why should Asians get special treatment? What about all the other white students?" She got past her disappointment and explained to me that sometimes we need to take advantage of opportunities such as the action to make Asians getting into college easier. I have always been an advocate for everyone having a "fair" life, and at the time I was only focusing on the fact that other students who worked just as hard as I, wouldn't get in because of their race, which to me was not fair. However, I was too young to understand the importance of getting into a good college, and I had absolutely no idea how much tuition was for a single year. My mom is a single mom who I believe does the best she can to save up for my college tuition, but of course is hoping that I'll receive a good amount of financial aid. I feel I am mature enough to understand that other students, such as myself, need to use the advantages that could be given to us. I do not think affirmative action should be eliminated because although at the time I didn't see the need for it when I was in middle school, I was not thinking of other families, especially  other single-parent households, I see how important it is for these students to be given the chance of an even playing field. I understand that just because I'm Asian I won't just get in because of my race. I will need to work just as hard as I would without knowing that I could have a possible advantage when applying to colleges. Affirmative action has helped out many families who really need the extra support, whether it be through getting in to a quality college or more help with finical aid; it should continue to help many many more.