Luke Chen, Dix Hills, NY
Living in two different cultures has its benefits and challenges. Although I
was born in America, my parents emigrated to the U.S from Sri Lanka. Sri
Lanka is an island off the coast of India. The customs, traditions, and culture
are the same in India as it is in Sri Lanka. When my parents came to the U.S
they continued to perform their customs and hold onto their beliefs and
traditions. This has influenced me in several ways.
Although my family and I live in the U.S we follow the customs and
traditions of Sri Lanka and India. I have learned to speak 3 languages,
including English. I eat a variety of foods and celebrate different holidays that
have to do with my religion and culture. It is very fun when I get to interact
with people of my nationality and speak to them in a different language. It is
also a benefit because I get to celebrate with all my family and have different
foods and learn new things about my culture. Sharing my culture and
information about my nationality to others is very important to me. I feel that
people should have a good understanding of who I am and what my life is like.
I always try to incorporate both American and Indian traditions, customs, and
foods.
Even though this can be a major advantage there are many setbacks to being