Connecting with My Roots by Nazarene

Connecting with My Roots by Nazarene - August 2019 Scholarship Essay

A gap year is an opportunity to learn, grow, and discover. With a gap year, I would reconnect with my roots in Cuba. I have grown up around the Spanish language, but the language is just one tiny piece of the culture that exists in my roots. I have never experienced all of my family's history. There is a true beauty in being able to understand your own culture; I dream of unlocking that beauty. With a gap year spent in Cuba, I could learn about my family’s history, grow into a more humble person, and discover what my roots truly are.

Growing up, I’ve always heard my mom say phrases in Spanish that confuse me- they would make no sense to me or anyone. Each time, my mom would explain to me that they are just “things that Cubans say.” She would then make a delicious meal of picadillo (A Cuban dish consisting of ground beef, olives, and raisins. It is best served with white or jasmine rice). My whole life has been bits and pieces of Cuban culture, coated with my family’s American lifestyle. As I have gotten older though, I have grown curious about what other aspects of my life are Cuban tradition. Just like most Latin Americans, I’ve had a Quinceanera and have grown up listening to music in Spanish but I dream of going to the center of my roots and childhood to finally discover what else is a part of my culture.

In February of 2019, I visited Cuba for a weekend with my family. Despite my time there being so short, I came back to Georgia feeling like Cuba was a second home. Everything about Cuba radiated “family” (Familia). Everybody on the island is so helpful to one another, and no one is left out. Even within the poverty of the island, everyone is so welcoming and kind. On the departure back home though, I wished that I could stay longer. Two days only gave me a bite of the culture of Cuba. With a gap year, I would be able to discover everything that I wish to know. I could even get to drink my favorite soda, which is a Cuban soda and is only sold in South Florida in the U.S.
I am beyond fascinated with my roots. I am blessed to be a Cuban-American but I wish to know as much about my Cuban side as I know about my American side. Someday in the future, I wish to return to Cuba- for more than just a weekend. Having a gap year just to experience the culture of Cuba would be more than perfect. . . I would be in pure bliss.