What Hispanic Culture Means To Me Essay

From waking up to the smell of freshly made tortillas and warm beans with rice on Sunday mornings and rushing through the morning to attend noon mass to the tradition of going from house to house singing lullabies to Jesus on Christmas eve, food and catholic tradition are just a small part of what being Hispanic means to me. While there are a multitude of distinct experiences that have guided me to rediscover what Hispanic truly means, I believe that everything can be simplified to family values. Aside from the extraordinary and delicious food, I believe that Hispanic means family; as my good friend, Stitch likes to say, "Family means no one is left behind or forgotten" (Lilo and Stitch).
Last year, I left home to attend a university that is a few hours away from my parents' house. At first it was exciting with a newfound sense of liberty; a part of me really enjoyed going to eat at random times of the day or …show more content…
While I loved eating a buffet of food every night, I missed my mother's cooking from day one; although it was not a surprise that this was one of the things I missed, I was shocked to learn that butter is preferred on corn rather than chili powder. I missed spending time with my family-going to mass, grocery shopping, or just having a meal together; like they say, you don't know what you're missing until it is gone which is why I go home as often as possible.
Hispanic has different meanings to different people, but I instantly think of Hispanic as family because that is what I was raised to love. Although I attend a university almost three hours away from home, the link I have to my family and traditions is unbreakable. After all, they are a part of who I am; I will never forget my Hispanic heritage. I will strive to make the best out of this world I was blessed to be born