Individual Cultural Project

By: Estephanny Prado

Cultural Belonging
I am Hispanic, and my parents and family are 100% Mexican. We all only speak Spanish and no
other language. I was born and raised here in the U.S. and have not lived anywhere else. When it
comes to special events and celebrations we make a big deal when a young lady turns 15. We
celebrate her with a special celebration referred to as a quinceanera where all the family gathers
and makes her day extra special. During Christmas, we have what we call a posada which
consists of prayer, with a recitation of the Rosary, and then continues with the caminata, a re-
enactment of Joseph and Mary's search for a room for the welcoming of baby Jesus. There is a
saying that a way to a man's heart is through his stomach. Let me tell you Mexicans love cooking
for any little get-together or event little or big. During the holidays we will cook our famous
Menudo and our yummy tamales. There are just so many dishes it is hard to name them all.

Life Experiences
Growing up with undocumented parents was not easy. There was always that what if they don’t
return home from work in the back of my head. Throughout these times we learned to be strong
as one. When my parents finally became U.S. Citizens it was a relief I no longer had to be scared
of them not returning. I have never been one to have a hobby or a skill, but I do enjoy long walks
that lead to nowhere. They help me with tension and stress.
World View
The values I live by are to always love one another no matter what because life is not promised.
Always be honest and always give your all and love like never before. We are only given one life
so why not make the best out of it. Growing up I was always taught that we are all equal no
matter our size or our color no one is better than the other we are all the same, and when you
realize that you start to see the world a bit differently. A long-term goal as a family is for us to
simply get along and respect one another despite our differences.

Cultural Artifacts
There is nothing more valuable than family.