by Katelyn Chang
Growing up, I had very different life experiences from most of my other peers. As I lived in a predominantly Hispanic community, my surname stuck out like a sore thumb. My last name is Chang. My great grandfather was Chinese, and immigrated to El Salvador in the early twentieth century. Even though I have mostly Hispanic ancestry, my Chinese heritage has played a large role in my life.
On my mother’s side of the family, my grandparents immigrated from Mexico. I was fully immersed in Mexican culture; on Thanksgiving, while we still had the traditional dishes such as turkey and cranberry sauce, we also indulged in tamales. For Christmas, my grandparents frequently made pozole and menudo. Not only was I exposed to many Mexican dishes, but I travel to Mexico about twice a year.
On my father’s side, we celebrate both Salvadoran and Chinese traditions. For celebrations, we frequently eat pupusas, and know much about the history of El Salvador. We also celebrate Chinese New Year. My grandparents both knew how to make Chinese dishes, and at some Chinese restaurants, the waiters became our friends because we dine there frequently.
Being exposed to so many cultures has allowed me to be knowledgeable about the world and have a craving to learn more. I was deeply immersed in Mexican, Salvadoran, and Chinese culture, and will continue to practice these traditions. While it is not easy being a woman of color, I fully embrace my background, and I wouldn’t change it for the world.
