I Am An Immigrant – Voices

My father was born in the former Yugoslavia and my mother was born in the United States. Both her parents being immigrants, she grew up speaking Hungarian, German, and English. I find myself dreaming to go back to Hungary. I spent a semester living in Pápa, Hungary. There, I studied at a folk dance school and fell in love with Hungarian folk dance and art. The basis of Hungarian traditions stems from weddings; the best musicians gather, the most beautiful dresses are brought out, and the best times are shared. The way the men dressed in 1930’s dance houses is not much different than the way designers design for modern-day fashion weeks! I love my heritage and I appreciate how involved my parents got me. If you think about it, culture is like an embedded ‘cool’ you are born with. I also have a passion for fine arts. I often incorporate Hungarian Folklife/traditional folk art into my pieces. I can’t wait for my future home to be decked out in motifs. I am so proud to be a Hungarian who was born and raised in America. I know that being part of two cultures has shaped me into who I am. I often find that it helps me better relate to others of different cultures. One year in grade school I was labeled as a ‘slow learner.’ My teacher told my mother to consider better involving me in American culture. The Hungarian flags on my worksheets were not ‘cutting it.’ I moved on, but deep down inside I still think about it. I would recommend an article called ‘An Indian Father’s Plea’; it relates to my story. It’s interesting how this incident plays into my teaching philosophy, as I am now in the process of getting a license in Early Childhood Education.