Welcome back First Gens! The holidays are very close, and this might mean a lot of family time, which I know can be difficult for some. Culture is a big part of the holidays though, especially when it comes to traditions. That’s why it feels so fitting to wrap up the month of November and this month’s theme of Culture as a First Gen on the same week of Thanksgiving. I will be wrapping up with my own story of culture and how it has impacted my journey as a first gen.
Culture as a First Gen
First things first, please know that no two cultural experiences are the same. There may be some similarities, but this week, I will share with you all my personal stories and experiences as a Cuban-American navigating identity, language, and tradition. For me, culture and pride go hand in hand. Culture represents ethnicity, traditions, and the elements that define us, such as food, music, and language.
In this episode, I share with you all how language is tied to my culture. Growing up, Spanish was my first language and despite the struggle to balance Spanish and English, my family’s dedication and insistence allowed me to build meaningful relationships with family that did not speak English. It also helped me, later in life, to pursue career opportunities with additional pay for being bilingual. Now, as a proud Spanish speaker, I hope to pass this on to my future children as well.
Food, music, and family traditions are also a big part of connecting to culture. From hosting family gatherings to learning to make classic recipes like ropa vieja and flan, these elements serve as a connection between generations. Music, especially Cuban salsa legends like Celia Cruz and Gloria Estefan, were also really important parts of growing up for me. In this episode, I actually recall choreographing quinceañeras in college, which was the start of my journey to entrepreneurship.
Culture: Sara’s Journey
Though there is much that I am proud to talk about and share with others, I also acknowledge the aspects of my culture that I have chosen to redefine. Rejecting traditional gender norms like machismo and marianismo, I strive for equality in my relationships and household roles. I also critique the pressures of familismo, which prioritizes family ties above all else, and I remind you all that boundaries are important for mental health and maintaining healthy relationships.
Overall, I encourages you all to approach culture with curiosity and flexibility. My advice is to honor your roots but don’t hesitate to evolve them. Lastly, I remind you all to give yourself grace as we define our unique cultural journeys. Remember that you are not alone in your journey. You will always have a Madrina in your corner.
The First Gen Madrina
If you are a University, College, Company or Organization, The First Gen Madrina offers workshops on a variety of topics (such as imposter syndrome, time management, managing burnout, building a self-care plan, etc..), custom built mentorship programs as well as customized services tailored to the needs of the client.
Join Sara, The First Gen Madrina, for individual coaching and/or group coaching. The journey can often feel lonely but that does not mean that you are alone! Check out the Our Services tab on our website for more information! http://thefirstgenmadrina.com
In order to follow along, remember to rate, review, and subscribe to The First Gen Madrina Podcast to stay connected. Also, follow on instagram and LinkedIn @thefirstgenmadrina and Sara Diaz, LCSW. Sara acknowledges that the term first gen can be fluid, so The First Gen Madrina is committed to supporting all first gens! This isn’t just about breaking barriers—it’s about providing unwavering support that propels individuals to embrace life’s challenges and triumphs.
In conclusion, stay tuned to meet amazing first-generation guests for the podcast, endless topics related to the first-gen experience and transformational coaching! Sara is your go to Madrina for all things first gen!
¡Hasta pronto!
Sara, The First Gen Madrina
