"What does independence mean to you?"
As far as I am concerned, independence indicates that it is me, instead of other people, that should be responsible for myself. What I mean is that when people rely on others, they often tend to escape from responsibilities. Having someone who can always protect and help us, we are inclined to think less, thus evading from difficulties which can actually mature us.
Taking myself as an illustration. Before coming to America for college, I spent eighteen years living with my parents. Living with them, undoubtedly, helped me to grow up, for they could always point out my shortcomings and help me in different situations. Moreover, my parents were great listeners to me because whenever I had problems, I would tell them, and therefore reliving pressure. In a nutshell, it could not be better to live with parents before I came to New York.
After coming to America for almost three months, I gradually began to appreciate the importance of independence. In the first few days, I was not used to cope with all problems by my own and life somewhat disappointed me. Buying milk from convenient stores, getting textbooks and printing out papers all seem to be something my parents should do for granted; however, as time went by, I learned that I should be responsible for those things because this is what independence for. Independence is a stage when I need to take responsibilities rather than throwing them to others. Taking responsibilities will definitely enhance our different abilities, such as critical thinking and problem solving skills. There are times in life when people have no one for help and need to rely on themselves. Independent enough, a person may overcome various setbacks easily; on the contrary, other people may wade through thousands of difficulties before reaching their goal due to lack of independence.
No deep and accurate understanding will we gain if we do not know how independence works. Sometimes independence is a shortcut for people to succeed because the more independent we are, the more responsible we are, and then the better we are. 
I like your point that independence means I should be responsible for myself. You share your own experience and I totally agree. I'm still not used to stressful life here. I like the last paragraph which is really meaningful.
回复删除Dear Parker,
回复删除Yes, I agree with you! I think what you wrote closely correlates to my own personal definition of the meaning of independence. The first time I found myself being thrust in an environment in which I was forced to be independent was, like you, when I moved away from home to attend college. I was seventeen years old and knew virtually nothing, but now I feel as though I have come a long way and that I can truly take care of myself and that I don't need anyone else to babysit me. In fact, my independence is a source of my pride, because I realize that there are many other people in the world who do not have the initiative it takes to do things on their own. Because they have not challenged themselves in this sense, they do not know their own capabilities and are always dependent on other people, who may or may not be reliable. Being independent is certainly empowering, a point which I think you realized and touched upon in your post.
This was a great solid, personal post. Good job answering the question of what independence means to you.
Sincerely,
Mitali
I enjoy your answer combined with your own experience. I have the almost same experience of you as well. For me, I am getting more independent during these months, and I am really happy about that.
回复删除However, to some extent I don't agree with your points. It is true that things become much easier with other's helps. So why do we have to ignore the available sources we have and to conquer difficulties alone? The purpose is to solve the problem, so I suppose that we should find out the fastest way as long as we achieve the goal.