My cultural background is probably one of the most important things to me. My family came to the United States from Ludwigshafen, Germany decades ago, and although I personally have never travelled out of the country, I've always cherished how in touch we are with our roots. Eating homemade Spritzgebäck every Christmas while waiting for Christkind to arrive, gathering around to hear Oma read the classic, albeit terrifying, children's stories from der Struwwelpeter, and dancing to polka music around my house are just a few of my favorite memories.
My great-grandmother, who I call "Oma", is the main reason that I have such a huge interest in learning about my heritage. She has been through so much throughout her lifetime and I have immense gratitude for the opportunity to hear her stories firsthand.…