Just the thought of having to abandon my country and everything I know is frightening to me. Adjusting to another culture while trying to hold on to my own culture is sure to be a difficult task. To make the adjustment easier, I would take a Bible, family photo album, and a journal. Reading the Bible everyday has been a part of my daily routine since I was a young child. By bringing a Bible I would be able to keep a key characteristic of my family culture, which is Christianity. Reading the Bible everyday would be one thing that would remain constant during this time of transition. The second item that would give me comfort is a family photo album. It would include pictures of extended family members and special events. It would be a reminder of what my country was like, and I would never forget the faces of my family members. Furthermore, it would provide future generations with information about their heritage. To provide future generations with even more information, I would take a journal to record my daily experiences and memories from the past. Currently, my older family members are composing letters filled with stories and the names of relatives so that the younger members can have a reference about our family history. By keeping a journal, I would be able to do the same thing.
If I was told that I could only take one item upon arrival, I would be disheartened. It was hard choosing just three items, but to have to narrow those down to one would be even harder. My choice would be the family photo album because it would be a visual reminder of my family and country. I would never forget where I came from or my family members. It would also provide valuable information about the family. My children and grandchildren would be able to see and understand my family culture. They might even gain an appreciation for some of the traditions the family continued over the years.
This exercise has given me a greater appreciation for my country and family culture. I have also gained much respect for those individuals who have actually had this experience. I am beginning to understand how hard it is to adjust to another culture while not losing your own identity. As an early childhood professional I am committed to encouraging young children to embrace their family culture. I will do my best to maintain a balance between the dominant culture and other cultures in my classroom.
Hello Krista,
ReplyDeleteIt is sad to see families that have actually lived through this trajic episode. Trying to struggle to maintain ones culture in a society demands to change into a dominant culture is a horible feeling. Currently, I know of many families who struggle to maintain their culture as their chilren are changing to a more mainstream culture and the parents are torn apart. I would also keep my family album, pictures are truly worth a thousand words which I can share with others.
Hi Krista, I like the ideas of the family journal; it is a true representation of culture. The family journal is something you will have for generations. I believe the family journal will have such an impact of the younger generation it will give them a sense of whom they are as a family. Also, it will be nice to read the entries after 10-20 years.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing!
Andrea Cureton
Krista,
ReplyDeleteYou chose to bring your Bible, family photo album, and a journal. I also chose my bible. I learn at an early age all about my culture, and family identities, which goes back to culture. It was hard for me to make the decision to give up something so I chose to leave. I just could not part from my three choices. I believe that culture is in us all. We carry it every day. Just my opinion.
Sandra
Krista,
ReplyDeleteI see we share inthe items that we would choose. I have also gained an appreciated for people who have actually have had to experience such devistation in their lives. Truely learning to appreciate diversity and learning.
Hi Krista,
ReplyDeleteWe have something in common. I too chose to take my scriptures and my journal. I too had difficulty in choosing one from the three. As I pondered the situation, I soon realized that my culture is within my soul. It is my very being and if I had to give up all three, I could serach deep inside and remember the most important parts of my culture.
Thank you for sharing,
Sally