Donald West

A guide to my Cultural Identity

 Cultural belonging:
My name is Donald West. I am an
African-American male. I have been a Christian
since I was a little boy. All of my family members
are African-Americans and part of the Christian
faith, specifically Baptist. My wife is white, and my
3 children are mixed race. One of our traditions
was to have family dinners on Sundays. I am trying
to carry on that tradition with my own family that
includes my wife, 3 kids, and a dog. At the Sunday
family get togethers, I would see my cousins and
other family members.
Cultural belonging:
Growing up, we were considered a low income
family and spoke English. When I was an adult I
admired people who were bilingual. I always
wanted to learn French and got the opportunity in
high school in which I enjoyed. I lived in many
places growing up, not really experiencing a sense
of community. My dream was to live in a house
where a sense of community would be felt based
on the neighborhood. I now live in a home I am
proud of, in a neighborhood where myself and my
family belong. Our neighborhood has people of all
colors.
Cultural belonging:
In my family, I am the only child with my mother
and deceased stepfather. My mom was a hard
working single mom most of my life

Extended Family(Mothers side): I had

grandparents in which I had a wonderful
relationship with, including 1 uncle, 2 aunts and 2
cousins. I would celebrate most of my holidays
with this side of the family.

Extended Family(Dad’s Side): On my biological

father’s side, I had a grandfather, one aunt and a
cousin. One of my aunt’s helped raise me, but my
dad was not in my life.
Life Experiences:
I felt like an underdog all my life due to a rough
start to my education. In the beginning of my
education I started in special education. During
this time my mother was dealt a negative
prognosis of my potential in society. With my
tremendous performance in math and resilience, I
exited the special education program in the fourth
grade. I still struggled and worked hard in reading
and writing my entire education career. I ended up
going to University of Nevada, Reno where I
earned a Bachelor of Science, Mechanical
Engineering Degree.
Life Experiences:
I was a child of the 80s watching G.I. Joe and
Transformer cartoons. I remember renting a lot of
movies when I was a kid. On the weekends I lived
at the $1 movie theaters. Education was a big part
of my family's values, living in Northern California
near Stanford University. College was expected,
but was not handed to me. Football got me to
college, and that’s why sports will always be
important to me and I consider it a part of my
culture. My grandfather was one of my greatest
role models. He went to San Jose State University,
I believe when it had a different name. He died in
2021 at age 104.
Life Experiences:
I loved playing sports growing up as well. I played
baseball from 9 years old until I was 13 years old. I
loved the game and was unsuccessful in extending
my playing career in high school. Then, I started
playing football in high school. I became successful
and received a football scholarship to the
University of Nevada, Reno. Football allowed me
to fulfill my college dreams and live up to my
family’s expectations for me to be a well educated
African-American man. Today, I enjoy hiking and
camping with my family and friends. I also enjoy
going to sporting events.
Worldview:
As a person I strive to be a strong African-American
role model for my family and students. I will have
conflicts and struggles which will have an impact on me
throughout my entire life. Being an African-American
Christian sets the foundation to my morals. I treat
everyone with respect and expect the same in return.
Being a minority in America, I have a high desire to be
successful in whatever I set out to accomplish. I feel
pressure as an African-American male to break through
stereotypes and beat the odds. I want to help children
learn, I want to make an impact on their lives just like
what the teachers in my life have done for me. I am so
proud to be apart of the education system.
Cultural Artifacts:

My family cooks Creole/soul

food

We celebrate all Christian holidays

My 6 year old daughter,

Nia, and I

1995 Vegas Bowl watch, I

played in the game