Cultural Influences Of My Parents Migration To The United States

Human beings are impact throughout the years by their cultural forces that have shaped their identities. However, people culture varies because, for example, the country that they or their parents originate. Nevertheless, there are always some forms of similarities among them. Some for example, are the foods they eat, the music they listen to, how they are raise, among others. As for me, I am highly impacted by my cultural forces, which as embedded in me by my parents’ upbringing, which is to get a college degree, stern words of encouragement, and how to obtain my goals.
My parents are from the Caribbean and they strongly believe that getting a great education, is the path to success. My parents migrated to the United States many years ago

along with my brother who was only eight years old at the time. Upon arriving here, she could not find a job that fits in her career path. Then, three years after giving birth with me, she decided to go back to college and pursue her degrees. She now holds a Master’s Degree. She went back to college not just for her own career path, but also to motivate my brother and me. My brother also finishes college and gets his Master’s Degree. My father also has his degree, and is an entrepreneur from back home and carries his skills with him.
As you can see, it is a cultural trait in my family and I am no exception. This has become a norm, which drives me to explore my way to start college. Thus, my family strong values and determinations have attributed to my personal aspiration, and I will reach my goal. Therefore, going to college is not even an option anymore for me, but a traditional requirement and I will let nothing stand in my way from achieving my goals.
Another attribute that have driven me, as it relates to my culture is I remember when I was much younger and wanted to be a football player and sometimes people would tell me that I could not make it. I would cry and feel discourage and go to my mother and tell her what had happened. She would look me in the eye and with a stern voice, says “you can be anyone you want to be and you are your own destiny.” However, just work a little bit harder and prove to people that they are wrong. These words have inspired me and helped to forms my identity even more. I did play football for a while but today, I want to be an entrepreneur. I see myself as one, and other individuals tell me that this would be a great choice for me based on my family background and values. My determination and strong family supports and guidance, will definitely help me reach my cultural goals.
In fact, my family educational path is like a roadmap that shows me the different routes, and I can choose either the fastest or the slowest route, depending on how fast I want to reach my destination. Most importantly, what I have learned from my cultural upbringing is that I must set my goal, and ones that I can attain. However, I must set a timeframe to accomplish them. Without a timeframe, either my goals will take longer to achieve or I will never reach them. Luckily, for me, I have my great family, who has helped guide me along the way. Without them, I think I would not be on the right path now. I will continue to go to college and earn my Master’s Degree as well to add to my Family collection.
In conclusion, my cultural upbringing as help shaped my identity. These have attributes and empowers me, and will continue to guide me throughout my life learning. Therefore, I will continue to work harder every day and be who I am, and not what people say what I cannot be. Remembering these words and the push from my family will forever lead me into my career path.