Stella Galik

EDU 280

Joni Flowers

January 18, 2022

Cultural Autobiography

My cultural background is a major aspect of what makes me, me. When I was younger, I

never really understood why my family did the things we did to acknowledge our culture. But

now as I get older, I am learning how to fully embrace it, and love it. To be more specific, I am

half Cuban and half Polish. My mother’s side of the family is fully Cuban, and my father’s side

is fully Polish. Although my parents and I were both born in Las Vegas, both of their parents

were born out of the country. My family and I celebrate my culture mostly through food and

music. That being said, our household was always full of noise and good food!

Food is a major part of my culture. Our family always has big meals on holidays such as

on Christmas and Easter. My grandparents on my mother’s side would bring Yuca, Tamals, and

other Cuban dishes. While my family on my father’s side would bring Polish dishes, such as

Pierogi and Zurek. Growing up around all these wonderful, but completely different types of

food has brought me much joy and is a big component of my heritage.

Music is also a major influence on my culture. Since I was a child, there has always been

music playing around the house, specifically Cuban music. This type of music plays a huge role

in my life today. I love listening to it because it reminds me of my grandparents and taking trips

down to Havana, Cuba to visit them. I will always hold Cuban music close to my heart, as it is a

big part of my culture. Without it, I don’t know where I would be.
 Writing this paper has only made me become more appreciative and respectful of my

heritage, culture, and traditions. Like I stated before, when I was younger, I never truly

understood my culture, as it is so different from anyone else I knew. But as I grow, I learn to

appreciate and love it. This writing process just proves to me that my culture is very important,

along with all other cultures.