Essay On Polish Heritage

The Polish heritage has been an important part of my life. It has taught me to be respectful and caring towards my family, friends, and others. My father’s side of our family is Polish. My great-grandfather came from Poland to escape the perils of World War II. He was a farmer, who traveled to the United States for the promise of a new life. He taught himself how to become a wood-worker and a handy man, but he worked as a miner in the United States. My great-grandfather was extremely determined to provide for his family, and wife in the United States. After a many years, I was born. From my birth, I was introduced to our Polish heritage. My great-grandfather would read to me in Slavic. He was extremely family oriented. After he left his fourteen siblings in Poland, he still made an immense effort to remain in contact with them. Even at my young age, when he was alive, I remember seeing his relatives visiting, even though I could not communicate with them. After he passed, our Polish culture still remained dominate.
Every Christmas, my family comes together to celebrate our Roman Catholic faith. Church is emphasized in my family; my great-grandfather would go to two different masses on Christmas Eve. My

great-grandmother, only part Polish, would make wafer cut-outs. She would make a delicious array of foods that followed out heritage. We were served twelve courses, to represent the twelve apostles. Dishes like beet soup (uszka), mushroom soup, carp, pierogi, sauerkraut, and golabki are served. For dessert, we eat poppy seed cake, many homemade cookies, and my favorite, sernik or cheesecake. This is my favorite time of the year, after the Christmas mass, all of my close family goes to my great-grandmother’s house and dines together. When my great-grandfather was alive, he would bring great pride in the meal, and ensured that the eating prayer was said. Eating foods from Poland allow me to feel part of my Polish heritage; and my great-grandfather. Holiday dinners brought our whole family closer.
I want to go to college to become a chemical engineer. My interest in this tough field is due to my great-grandfather’s determination throughout his life. He dropped out of school when he was in eighth grade. He never had the best education, but he taught himself all the skills he needed. He was an excellent woodworker, carving intricate details into wood borders and cabinets; however my great-grandfather knew the importance of an education. He told me many times that I must pursue an education when I grow up. He used to call me his little scientist, due to my interests in mathematics and science. His nickname inspired me to study very hard in high school and follow his dreams of becoming a scientist in the form of chemical engineering.
World War II had a major effect on Poland. Six million people were killed in World War II, many at the hands of Nazi Germany. My great-grandfather left his home to escape these tragedies, but he never held a prejudice against Germans. He loved everyone. His heart was big, and he knew that everyone had joy to offer. Learning about World War II in school allowed me to see the importance in my great-grandfather’s appreciation for all people. His words of wisdom and ideals helped form me into an understanding young woman. My great-grandfather loved all types of people. He showed his acceptance through the many gifts he gave his neighbors or anyone who was generous to our family. Hospitality was one of his many strong suits.
One of the most important holidays that my great-grandfather celebrated with me was All Saints’ Day.

We also celebrated the feast days of certain saints who we were named after. The most important part of our dinner is the breaking of the wafer (oplatek) and passing it around the dinner table. As children, we would fight over who got the wafer last because my great-grandfather would let us eat the rest of what remains. My great-grandfather taught me on these holidays, that family is the most important aspect of our lives. He always made his family his first priority. Family has always been there as a support system in my life, and I find this an importance in Polish culture. Family dinners, holidays, and meetings were all treated with the upmost

respect.
The Polish flag is hung in my great-grandparents’ house. As a little girl, I would stare at the flag and wonder what Poland looks like. My great-grandfather told me stories of his siblings and their parents while they lived in Poland. I imagined a great vast of farmlands in all directions, the wonderful people I would meet, and all my relatives I could finally become close to. I became interested in the flag, and would try to draw it in my free time. This lead to my favorite colors being red and white. I feel at home when I see red and white, it reminds me of the time when my great-grandparents were alive, and there was a great feeling of love when everyone was together at their house.
Today, I still keep the Polish culture in my life, even though my great-grandparents have passed. I study the history of countries, and focus on Poland. Hopefully, I can study abroad in college, and get assigned to European countries, such as Poland. I would be ecstatic to visit the place where my great-grandfather was raised; and I can get a better understanding of my Polish culture. I enjoy celebrating our major holidays at my house, inviting my family over, and cooking a festive dinner with my father. I have learned how to make pierogis and golabki. I make time for my family every day. I am exceptionally grateful for the time that I was able to spend with my great-grandfather, and learn his Polish ideals. I would not be the person that I am today without learning about my Polish heritage.