Rebecca

The flags right above are the countries that make up who I am. I was born in The United States , but my mom immigrated from El Salvador. My dad was born in Los Angeles , but his parents immigrated from Nicaragua . My mom likes to think that I am mostly Salvadorian and American , I tell her that my dad's heritage counts equally , because it brought me to where I am today. As far as being American , I was born here and I believe in most of what our country stands for and does.

Culture is defined as the beliefs,customs,arts,etc of a particular society,group,place,or time. There's no way to sugar coat the fact that Salvadorians have some of the strictest rules and expectations, meaning strict parents! I love my mom's roots and all the food that comes along with it but after 20+ years of her living here , her Salvadorian "ways" have not changed. I'm not aware of Nicaragua's culture,because I'm not really around my dad's side of the family , that why I can identify with the Salvadorian "ways" more.

I think the secret of honoring your parents' culture , is identifying yourself to them. I'm not saying go up to their faces and tell them everything that's wrong with their culture . Clear up to them that you are you , and you were born in a different time period and possibly a different country. Let them know that you are proud to be their son/daughter ,but you would like to do things differently. Explain to them that you want to learn from your own mistakes, but are still willing to accept their advice.

Growing up my mom did not give me much freedom as my other friends. I would always be upset with her, because I felt left out from my friends. In high school , I can defiantly say my mom is more open to letting me go out more and let me have my own freedom. Now I can see that was she was doing was the same as my grandma did for her and she was trying to protect me. She lets me make own mistakes and I respect whatever she decides. At the end of the day I know my time is limited with her so I value her advice, and try to incorporate it in my life.

Not forgetting where you came from and what you want to do with that is what is gonna make you Dee or Maggie . I choose to be a little bit of both , as I will remember my mother's advice , but try to live life for Rebecca.