Michelle Saucedo. Sophmore Biology major on a premed track. I’m involved in the Bio club, Red Cross club, and Habitat for Humanity.
My Mother often tells me the story of my first day of Kindergarten whenever I feel frustrated. Like any parent who is about to send their first child to school on the first day there is plenty of pictures taken, getting on the school bus, posing with a backpack half their size. My mother in tears as the bus pulls away, knowing that a new chapter of my life has begun. The story really begins when my mother receives a phone call later that week from my teacher, regarding me biting other classmates. To clarify, I refused to speak; but not because of a speech disorder but because I was so confused as to which language to speak. You see, before Kindergarten I was spoken to in Spanish and responded in Spanish. The only English communication I had was from watching cartoons and from places outside of my house (supermarkets, parks, mall etc.) So when school started I ceased to communicate to anyone. Now, being 19 years old I fluently speak both languages and even learned a little bit of French in high school.
Growing up as a Mexican American was both an adventure and challenging at times. Both my Father and Mother are from Mexico City and migrated to the U.S in 1995. But, I was born here in Albany, NY. Being that I am a citizen of both countries, from a young age I was always conflicted as to label myself as an American or as a Mexican. I feel deeply connected to my Mexican roots, at home we speak primarily Spanish, cook traditional Mexican dishes, and once a year we go back to Mexico City to visit family and friends. From many years of traveling throughout Mexico I see many differences in families, social, economic, military, medical and government institutions. But, I see this to my advantage because it makes me appreciate our freedom and rights as being an American citizen.
Besides heritage, my family also values religion. We are Roman Catholic and attend church every Sunday as a family. According to the pew reform research there 20.8% of families are catholic as of November 2014. Which to me is surprising since 22.8% of people consider themselves unaffiliated to any religion. We are a very family oriented family if you could not tell by now. Unlike most families my Mother has the last say in family decisions. From what color is the kitchen going to be, what will we be having to dinner, and whether I can go out or not. I’ve learned that when asking for permission you might as well go to the head of the family.. my Mother.
The sociological perspective mentioned that “People closest to us effectively command our conformity.” this is particularly true for me. For example, when I see something on the news, some sort of entertainment, or something we discuss in class I think back on my morals and my families own thinking. I hope that in taking this class, Sociology of the Family I will learn new statistics and learn more about institutions that affect humanity.
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