In 500 words or less describe your cultural
background and how it has shaped the person you are.
Culture is what makes a person who they are. So
having my culture be of multiple backgrounds makes me a very colorful person. I
have many different sides, and almost live two different lives. Each side of me
contrasts yet cooperates with each other. They blend together to make me into
the person that I am today.
My dad is half Japanese and half Pacific
Islander. He comes from the Micronesian Islands, a small cluster of islands
near Japan. Having the island culture part of my background brings the value of
family and friends to me. In the culture, everyone takes care of others, even
if they are strangers. My dad had helped a lost man find his way home once, and
even bought him lunch. The man was so thankful towards my dad and wanted to
repay him, but my dad refused and simply took the man’s gratitude as a reward.
So, having a huge family, including close relatives and long distance, and
friends close and far, makes me value each individual and realize the
importance in having people around that care about you. My Micronesian
background makes me into a caring, and warm hearted person.
My Asian side, or my Japanese side, has taught
me about honor and dedication. This could be stereotyped, but in honesty that
is what this culture brings me. Wanting to put a good name to my family and
upholding the family honor has taught me responsibility, and respect. I have a
goal to get a lot of schooling, from a Bachelor’s Degree, to a Master’s Degree.
I have the dedication and motivation to reach that goal thanks to the way I was
brought up. My Japanese cultural background has taught me to be integrative to
the fullest.
My mom is born and raised in America. This
culture has taught me how to be fun and reach my dreams and goals. I have the
ambition to finish whatever I start, and I have fun doing it. I can have a
blast while being busy. I always get my work done but I know how to make work
fun and enjoyable to do.
These cultures of course clash from time to
time, and I have to act one way with certain people, and then act the other way
with others. Although, having culture clashes makes me realize how flexible I
am. I can adapt quickly and adjust to the conditions in which my environment
demands.
All these traits and values have shaped me into
a kind, respectable, dedicated, fun person. People respect and rely on me and I’m
grateful for that. This tells me that my parents succeeded in raising me and
that I can make each culture I come from proud. I’m proud to be of a mixed
culture, and I make something out of each one, that’s what makes me unique.
