My Family Culture
“A major catastrophe has almost
completely devastated the infrastructure of your country. The emergency
government has decided that the surviving citizens will be best served if they
are evacuated to other countries willing to take refugees. You and your immediate
family are among the survivors of this catastrophic event. However, you have
absolutely no input into the final destination or in any other evacuation
details. You are told that your host country’s culture is completely different
from your own, and that you might have to stay there permanently. You are
further told that, in addition to one change of clothes, you can only take 3
small items with you. You decide to take three items that you hold dear and
that represent your family culture.”
The first
think I would take with me would be family pictures. I have always cherished dearly to my heart
having pictures of my family so having those to look at would help me share a
piece of my culture with the new culture I am living at as well it would remind
me of the beautiful times I had with my family.
The second thing I would take with me would be my bible. I believe in
God and his words are promises for us.
So, having my bible with me would give me the opportunity to keep Gods
promises close to me so I can continue reading them and keeping my faith. The third thing I would take with me is a journal
to write everything that is happening on a daily basis in my life. I would also write letters to my loved
ones. I believe that if I had to give up
two items I would be distressed. I
believe that I would have to choose and keep my family portraits because those
again are the ones I would like to share with the new culture, so they learn
from my own culture too.
What I
learned about this exercise was that first of all it was very hard to decide on
an item because they are make part of who I am.
My family is very important and keeping my culture alive is one thing I
cherish as well as I have passed down to my own kids. There are so many cultural differences and
because I have my own culture I believe that it’s important to be open to learn
from other cultures because I want to share my own culture as well. I know that I would like to embrace the new
culture but would keep my own roots and culture too.
It is evident that family is important to you. How do you express that in the classroom? How do you ensure that students are allowed to express their value of family?
ReplyDeleteMiguel,
ReplyDeleteIt is obvious that you thoughtfully chose your three items. Your family portraits are a link to your past, your culture, your heritage, et al. The bible is a connection to your faith and belief system. The journal is a wonderful way to not only stay connected with your loved ones but a way to record your memories, traditions, and family culture to pass on to future generations. I am touched by the fact that you chose your family portraits over the bible and journal. The portraits are replaceable, you can possibly acquire a new bible and journal once you are settled in your new home.
Wishing you well,
Donna
Miguel,
ReplyDeleteI did not think of a journal. What a great way to ensure you are taking care of yourself by having a chance to record your own thoughts and emotions. It is clear how much you value family and culture by wanting to share your own photographs with others so they can learn from you as you learn from them.