My Hispanic Heritage

America is a melting pot of race, religion and culture. Irish, German, Asian and Latin are just a few ethnicities that form our Country. Hispanics are one of the fast growing cultures in America. From September 15, 2009 to October 15, 2009 there is a 30-day long celebration to observe Hispanic Heritage. This period recognizes the contributions of Hispanic Americans to promote their heritage and culture.

While most celebrations include the reflections of Ballet Folkloric dances and the iconic sounds of a Mariachi band, my personal observance is far from the traditional. That is the beauty of being a Hispanic in America, you are raised with influences of your surroundings but you have your heritage as a foundation.

My influences of the rich traditions of the Hispanic culture come from my parents. The inspiration of faith is embedded in me from my mother’s unshaken strength. She taught me my first prayers and introduced me to my relationship to God. Her preservation of family and values was a standard in our upbringing. No matter if it was through a simple Sunday dinner or a Holiday feast, it has been my mother’s cooking that has bonded our family around a dining table.

My father’s influences are deeply entrenched throughout my brothers and sisters. His influences of the Hispanic culture are indisputably those of any good father. His teachings gave us an undeniable work ethic. He believed in hard work being applied to our education, our athleticism, and our jobs all would make us champions in our fields. He instilled in us a voice to be heard and to stand up in for what you believe in. This prideful man is the epitome of a patriarch in a family. His love is relentless and his spirit is giving.

My parents gave me a foundation that let me build my beliefs and ideals on respecting where I came from while striving to be who I am and not what I am.

September 15 kicks off the celebration because it is the anniversary of independence for 5 Latin American countries in 1821. Days following several other countries including Mexico also celebrate their independence. Of course we as Americans celebrate July 4th as our Independence Day.

It is easily said I am proud of who I am. I am proud that the brilliant traditions of a Hispanic Heritage that are forever intertwined in my standards of life. While my upbringing may not be dressed with typical traditions of Hispanic Heritage, it is full of our families’ traditions.