My Jewish Family

My background, the combination of being Jewish and Ecuadorian as well as the people whose influence have shaped who I am today, have instilled in me a sense of morality, compassion, and tolerance. My family has always been supportive, encouraging me to explore my surroundings and take on greater challenges so that I can go outside of my comfort zone and experience all that I can be. All my life I have celebrated the holidays and traditions associated with my religion and ethnicity, thus gaining a unique perspective on the differences and similarities between them. When I visit my Bubby for Chanukah, we eat potato latkes, light the menorahs, and play with dreidels. During Christmas at Grandma’s house, we decorate the tree, eat empanadas, and
dance Salsa and Merengue. As a part of Jewish tradition, at the age of thirteen, I celebrated my Bat Mitzvah, marking my transition into adulthood in the Jewish community. When I turned fifteen, I was introduced into the Hispanic community as an adult with a Quinceanera party. I am fortunate to experience the unique foods; languages; values; social, economic, and political views that both sides of my family contribute. I hope to travel the world and use that experience to learn about different cultures, customs, and to build greater connections with my extended family. By embracing both my Jewish and Ecuadorian values, I have learned over the years to never judge a book by its cover.