Identity Collage

   My life has been shaped by the people in this collage most.. A picture of my parents is on top of the page in the middle.  My ethnic background is mostly German, Scott-Irish and a bit of French, too. I feel my humor and attention to detail was most  influenced in my family of origin. To the left of this picture is my mother and her three siblings.  While growing up they were so much a part of my life. My family celebrated many holidays together and I always enjoyed visiting the cousins anytime for fun in the pool or a game of hide and seek. Below this picture is my sister, Terri and her husband Michael. I am one of five children; however, Terri is the one who I stuck with most. She influenced  me by her nurturing style and her friendship. The picture in the middle is my husband, John, my daughter, Veronica and myself years ago. The picture to the right of that is us plus two. When I married my husband who is Mexican, I fully embraced the cultural diversity I was marrying into. Also, I have become more informed about cultural differences, and I can accept what is different more readily. I am open to diversity so much more than my family members.  I have been positively affected by the family gatherings, music and food shared. I enjoy traditional folklore music; moreover, the danceable music such as Cumbia, Bachita, Reggaeton,and Salsa is more inspiring to me to dance to.The Mexican food dishes are a part our familys' life. We don't eat a lot of traditional dishes,yet  I make homemade beans and spanish rice regalury and chiles and tortillas are a staple item in my kitchen.   On the bottom left side of my collage I have a picture of my nieces and my husband and I at our engagement party.  I thought I would insert this picture because it symbolized the beginning of cultural diversity in my life. Last, on the bottom right I have a picture of my children presently. They are my everything. They are unique individuals who understand diversity and acceptance.