Essay On Ethiopian Culture

Being the 1st generation of an Ethiopian-American family is like living two lives. On one side I would go to the movies and school dances on weekdays. Meanwhile, for my Ethiopian side I would attend gualyas that lasted until 2 am and would have to speak Tigrinya at home. But then once it hit Monday morning I would switch it back to english at school making sure I had no accent was heard. However, growing up I realized that in both the American and Ethiopian side, one core value that was important in both is education.

If there is one thing every Ethiopian can agree on is how important education is to us. Education is core value we Ethiopians keep near and dear to our hearts In my household complaining about school wasn't a thing. Every time I would say the slightest of complaints of school my dad would remind ramble about how he

walked to all the way to Sudan for a better life and my mother pitch into the conversation saying “ab natey adena I was number one ab timrti! Technology gelemele yeblen ghen complain tegber chidi!” I would roll my eyes and say under my breath “you just don’t understand.” At the time I couldn’t comprehend or even care to comprehend why school was so important. But, as I grew older I began to realize that all the pressure placed on me paid off when I started receiving acceptances to multiple schools.The tough love given by my parents helped me work as hard as my american peers who had the advantage of having parents who went to high school in America.

More importantly, when it comes to living the dual life it can beneficial to helping the Ethiopian community as well as my future.

For instance, one privilege that many of us are granted with is being able to use college while it’s difficult back home. I was able to visit Ethiopia three times so far and after each trip my desire to make difference back home increases. One question I ask constantly ask myself is: “what can I do that will impact longevity and actually make a difference in people's lives?” Currently, I would like to study law and help change the Ethiopian govt. The tyrannical government emplaced in Ethiopia has caused the country to be in a state of emergency and I want to bring democracy to Ethiopia. I will bring justice to families who have lost their loved ones due to protesting, a right every citizen has. In pursuing my political career I hope to influence Ethiopians back in America that they can make a difference little or big. As I am typing this today, I can truthfully say I fully embrace what it means to be an Ethiopian American. I may pledge to the American flag but green, yellow and red running through my

veins.