Dear Brother

Bernice Friesen, in her short story, "Brother Dear" created three main characters, each with their own unique identities. The father who never got to achieve his dreams in going to university and becoming a doctor, wants his children to go to university and fulfill dreams he never got to accomplish. Sharlene, the younger sister, wants to travel before going to university but does not want to disappoint her father, and Greg the older brother who chooses his own future, even though his father does not approve. I believe that I relate most to Greg, the elder brother. I think this because within the past few months I too had to make a decision for myself that would disappoint others, but would fulfill my dream. I've wanted to come to McMath since a very young age, but because of boundary areas I was not able to. However, this year I had the opportunity to come with an almost guarantee chance to get into the school. It was a difficult choice because by now, it is my fourth year in high school, and at my former school, I had already created a strong identity for myself. I was the student council president-to-be, I was on sports teams, I did the morning announcements, I was well known and well liked around my school. Though, when opportunity struck, I took a leap of faith and left the school I was now so used to. It was a difficult decision, as I did not want to disappoint my fellow classmates, but I was unhappy. I wanted to do what would satisfy myself, rather than do what I was expected to do. Which is what Greg did as well. He made a decision for himself, even though he knew that it would not please his father. It may sound selfish, and whether we made the right decision or not, I couldn't say, but what I do know is that life isn't about always pleasing others, you're allowed to make your own choices too, even if it's not what everyone else may want. This is why I believe that I relate most with Greg.