My grandfather immigrated to the United States at the age of 16 in the hopes of pursuing the American dream, leaving behind all he knew, family and all. But it was fine; he was certain he would make it here, and that he did. He found my grandmother and raised several children alongside her. Most people don’t know I’m Trinidadian. I don’t speak or understand Patois well, never been to carnival, and haven’t even visited the homeland. Sometimes I feel bastardized from my own culture, embarrassed at how clueless I am about it. I remember as a child my mother would always make curry chicken with rice and peas. Whenever soca was playing I knew it was curry chicken day and  I would loathe it. I was tired of constantly eating curry; I wanted chicken nuggets instead. Now that I’ve grown and matured I realize this was my mother’s way of sharing the culture. She has also never been to Trinidad, has never spoken to any of our Trinidadian family members, and doesn’t know much about the cultural practices. She can only speak Patois and cook some of the dishes my grandfather taught her. She was sharing with me what her experience is as a Trinidadian. Now as an adult with every bite I feel connected to my roots. This is my Trinidadian experience, and I am proud to be one.  
 

– J

Relationship:  Grandchild of im/migrant Grandchild of im/migrant