Personal Narrative-Cultural Analysis

Words: 498
Pages: 2

“You cannot call yourself Rwandan, Zimbabwean or Appalachian. You are all of them, but you are none of them. You are culture-less.” My friend, Bruno, was right about one thing: I do not and cannot identify myself with a single culture; I am the sum of the different environments I have encountered.

I was born in the capital city of a tiny developing country called Rwanda. At five foot nine, I am short in comparison to other Rwandans, but I do carry our signature large forehead. In my earlier years, I would entertain myself on the dusty roads of my inclusive neighborhood with a soccer ball I had crafted out of paper, plastic bags, and strings. Eventually, my lone sport transitioned into a communal gathering that sparked my interest in teamwork. My most memorable moments were spent with my brothers mimicking the events held at the Olympic Games in which I am still the reigning gold medalist of our ten lap race around the house. Rwanda cradled my ambition and character.
…show more content…
I had never conversed with a Caucasian individual prior to my relocation, so attending classes with a high Caucasian student population led to cultural shock. However, my peers all welcomed me and we developed into a family from which I learned how to love and live with others. I quickly fell in love with the new foods I was experiencing: “sadza”, the Zimbabwean staple, led my youthful enthusiasm into practicing traditional cuisine. Nights spent lip-syncing to pop songs in my bedroom mirror became hours spent performing African hymns in my primary school choir. I acquired invaluable skills and an unbiased love in my seven years in