Before the fourth grade, the thought of practicing my nonexistent Polish when my grandmother called our landline caused me to dash out the room. I was raised in America, and partaking in my Polish culture was simply a way to ease my parent’s nostalgia for their “Polska.”
After moving there for a year, I learned new traditions and developed intimate connections with my family. I finally considered myself a Polish-American.
Since returning to New York, I have designated my Sunday afternoons to grocery trips to Greenpoint, Brooklyn’s hub for Polish cuisine. Annually, I cheer among a crowd of white and red at the Pułaski Parade. An early Saturday morning marks the beginning of my trek to the SPK Polish School.
The greatest aspect of this school is the community of friends I have joined. These individuals understand my multifaceted culture in ways that my American friends can't. …show more content…
Christian people seem more… Thick headed.” Her words stung. My religion is an important part of my traditional Polish side. Although some New Yorkers assume that piousness is intertwined with intolerance, embracing both a traditional and liberal culture has helped me understand those with unique identities.
That day, I confided in my Polish school friends. They assured me I wasn't alone in my difficulties feeling the need to conform to one side of my multicultural identity. With their support, I have felt more confident in sharing my culture. I consider our community a second family— we just happen to hold family gatherings in the
After moving there for a year, I learned new traditions and developed intimate connections with my family. I finally considered myself a Polish-American.
Since returning to New York, I have designated my Sunday afternoons to grocery trips to Greenpoint, Brooklyn’s hub for Polish cuisine. Annually, I cheer among a crowd of white and red at the Pułaski Parade. An early Saturday morning marks the beginning of my trek to the SPK Polish School.
The greatest aspect of this school is the community of friends I have joined. These individuals understand my multifaceted culture in ways that my American friends can't. …show more content…
Christian people seem more… Thick headed.” Her words stung. My religion is an important part of my traditional Polish side. Although some New Yorkers assume that piousness is intertwined with intolerance, embracing both a traditional and liberal culture has helped me understand those with unique identities.
That day, I confided in my Polish school friends. They assured me I wasn't alone in my difficulties feeling the need to conform to one side of my multicultural identity. With their support, I have felt more confident in sharing my culture. I consider our community a second family— we just happen to hold family gatherings in the