Cooking has been a tradition in my family for years; all of us were taught the basics so we could be self-sufficient. I learned from my mom, and she learned from her’s. As a child, I always wanted to be a part of what my parents were doing. One of those things was cooking. I stood next to them while all the women in my family moved around the kitchen, doing my best to help. Even when the most I could do was mix a bowl or cut something for them, I always wanted to be around and help out. It was something that we all did together, and even when I had nothing to do, I still watched them as they went about.

I remember making cakes and other treats with my mom. Our favorite was making cakes for events and birthdays, helping her with icing the cake and decorating it with her and making it special for whatever it was used for. The way they would go into the oven and come out completely different amazed me, the way she always let me use the mixer, one of the first real appliances I was taught how to use.

When I was given a job, I took it as seriously as I could, preparing the table to the standard of perfection any seven-year-old could have. It was important to our family that we learn, and I will always be grateful for that experience.

– S.R.W

Relationship:  Child of im/migrant Child of im/migrant