The grandparent is always an important part of family life. My relationship with my Nana reflects that, along with the feelings she evokes in me. Nana was born in Puerto Rico, and ever since I became her grandchild, she has been a vital figure in wanting to see me grow into the man she has always envisioned but she has also taught me about my culture. My father is African American, and my mother is Puerto Rican. Nana, along with my parents, are the reasons I pray before bed or dinner. My family is a fascinating mixture, knowing that I am of Puerto Rican and African American descent. My mom wants to teach me Spanish since I’m half Puerto Rican, and I’ve wanted to learn it for a while now because Nana and Mom say things in Spanish that I don´t understand just yet. Sometimes, when it comes to music I either listen to Kendrick Lamar or Puerto Rican Lofi if I´m alone or when I don't want to be bothered. Nana´s the one that inspired me to love the culture of Puerto Rico. I have many fond memories of her. For example, she would ask me to crush Oreos to make a cookie ice cream dessert, then add a banana slice on the side and a cherry on top. It tasted like a sweet, delectable milkshake—just delicious. She also taught me how to make tostones, which are fried green plantains, a popular snack in Puerto Rico. Possibly in the future when I grow old, I wanna give my future grandchildren the same inspirations and love of Puerto Rican culture that Nana gave me so many years ago.

– MK

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