How to Meet your Family for the First Time

Imagine you have never met your extended family. When others ask what your relatives are like, what are you supposed to say? For Angelina German 20’ she didn’t know her dad’s side of the family until she eight years old, and she still hasn’t met her mom’s.

When German was eight years old her family traveled to Mexico to meet her family. German was very anxious, but once she arrived in Mexico her nervous faded completely. Her initial thought was, “Wow I’m here, I’m in Mexico, and I’m finally getting the chance to meet all my family members.” She was shocked that she finally was there. It had been suspenseful waiting for this trip to come, and even more suspenseful waiting at the airport.

Eventually they got to the neighborhood in Mexico where her family lived. The whole family gathered in a circle in the middle of the street, and they started to hug one another. Everyone was in a really happy mood. German’s aunt was so full excitement she couldn’t help, but jump up and down. German’s sister, Jessica said, “It basically felt like a big birthday party.” It wasn’t anyone’s birthday, but they did celebrate. They celebrated the family’s arrival by having a party. 

German spent her summer in Mexico with her family, but eventually it was time for her to come back home to America. Since her first trip to Mexico, German has felt more in touch with her culture. She has returned to Mexico two times since her first trip, the latest one was last year. She enjoys doing little things to celebrate her culture like eating her Grandmother’s arroz con leche and even watching her Grandmother’s favorite Mexican television shows.

German’s next goal related to family for the future is to meet her mom’s side in Puerto Rico. “I really want to learn more about the culture because right now I don’t really know much about it.”

Outside of her family German has a lot of friends. German’s friends consider her to be a really great person. Bethel Tewabe ‘20, says, “She has always been there for me, and I know I can always count on her.” German tries to spread as much positive energy as she can when she is around others.  

German just feels more connected now that she has met them. “Just knowing they are there, and that I have met them makes me feel better” German said.