While filling out this scholarship for the National Italian-American Foundation, the section concerning my ancestors that immigrated to the United States from Italy interested me. I did some research to find that information, starting out with asking my grandparents for help. In doing so, I learned who in my family crossed over on that long journey. I began to learn more about my family and the Italian culture. It became very apparent that my family had deep cultural roots that explained a lot about my family’s traditions and heritage.

“Cultural roots” is another phrase for “family history”. Discovering your family history gives you knowledge, you could learn how and why certain customs are significant to your own family; things that give a family pride. By passing the traditions of your family’s heritage on to your children, you continue to keep the history alive. You will also be giving your children new and unique experiences to learn from that can benefit the entire family and lead to quality time together.

Once you’ve learned about your family’s history, you can look even deeper into the family tree for psychological and health patterns. This could help you understand yourself better, and you could be aware of any concerns that could develop as you get older. You may find common personality traits your ancestors had that you also have. With searching deeper into your ancestors’ history you could learn that it has run in your family to be thoughtful and kind. Also, you could learn that you are not the family odd-ball because you have nothing in common with your parents- or any other family members- by learning that someone else had similar feelings and views as you. You could also discover some health patterns throughout that may be valuable. You may find that a disease or cancer follows your family; you could then find ways to prevent that from happening to you.

As I have researched my family history, I have learned many things about myself as well. I have found some Italian traditions that I would love to learn someday soon. Also, I have realized why I am told to be like some of my ancestors; it is because I have similar personality traits as them. After learning about my family, I am aware that I need to take care of myself better due to health problems following my family.

Therefore, it is very important for you to know about your cultural roots and family’s history. The research can teach you interesting customs that you can pass on to the next generations. You could be more familiar with your ancestors and yourself, and any problems they have (and that you may be) faced. Also, you will be so knowledgeable that you will be proud you took the time to learn about your cultural roots.

This is an essay I had to write for the NIAF scholarship. I thought it was fun to write. I've been out of practice of writing like this, but I still pulled it off.

What are your views on this? I would love to hear it!

~Angela Nichole :)