Acting With An Awareness of Social and Cultural Dynamics

 “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent” Eleanor Roosevelt

Social and cultural differences are the cornerstone of my life, growing up with them, seeing how “differences” can shape who you are to be. I am of Italian/Polish descent, looking very similar to my Father, enjoying the traditions of Italian Sunday dinners, delicious pizzelle cookies (an Italian delicacy) and memorable Polish Christmas Eve dinners. My sister and brother, 2 and 3 years younger respectively were adopted from Russia when I was three. My sister, although born in Russia is Korean. My brother, 100% Russian, looks similar to my Dad and me.

As I grew up, I started to hear others refer to my siblings as “different”. My sister would come home from school and be saddened by the name calling, “fried rice’ and “chop sticks”. Many would not believe we were sisters because we looked “different”. We

My brother, although we looked alike, would also come home from school and be saddened by the name calling, although his names were based on his learning disabilities, “stupid” and “idiot”.

Our strong family relationship, open and loving, would not accept people’s bias. My mother, once in the grocery store, was asked about “where my sister was from” and my mother said, “from my heart”. My siblings, although saddened by this bullying only fought harder to ensure that they were recognized for the similarities all shared instead of focusing on the differences.

My sister and brother both received many accolades for their achievements, some scholastic, some athletic and some just for being generous of spirit and good hearted.

Living with my siblings and learning by example I have consistently lived my life not seeing the color of someone’s skin, or the shape of their eyes or their mispronunciation of a word. I see only their smile, their laughter and their passion for all that they have given me.

This social awareness has created a bond so deep, a love so great and a passion for equality and justice for all. I learned to be an advocate for them, for my family for others who have led similar paths thus leading me to a life’s focus of advocacy.