Embrace Your Culture | Jenna Parris, Brock Badgers
In honour of the inaugural Ontario University Athletics (OUA) Anti-Racism Awareness Week, individuals from our member institutions shared insights into their own cultural upbringing, how they continue to celebrate their culture, and why they feel it is important to learn about and embrace cultures other than their own.
Please describe what your own cultural upbringing was like?
My cultural upbringing can be described as understanding and acknowledging that this is my life and this is who I am meant to be. My parents did an amazing job connecting me to my culture by expressing to me many different foods and music types. As a child, my hair was a struggle for me, my parents took the time to sit and help me recognize that my hair was beautiful and part of who I am. Being a person of colour it is very important to see beyond society's norms and be the person you are meant to be, and embrace who you are.
How has your cultural upbringing influenced you throughout your life?
I believe that my cultural upbringing played a very positive role throughout my life. Growing up and attending a white-dominated school, in the back of my mind I did look at myself to be an outsider. My parents and home lifestyle raised me to look at every situation and make the best of things. I became very comfortable in my own skin. I was an outgoing child who always embraced every moment.
Are there ways in which you continue to celebrate your culture?
One way that I continue to celebrate my culture is by having an Aunt and Grandmother who continue to teach and express our culture to me. They continue to educate me on past and present events that are taking place. Reminding me that our culture should be expressed all throughout the year. I am thankful for them as they continue to keep me connected to my roots.
Why do you feel it is important to embrace and celebrate your culture?
I believe that it is always important to embrace your own culture, as it is a big part of who you are. You need to be the best self you can be and by celebrating and embracing this side of you, you are celebrating and embracing yourself as well!
Why do you feel it is important for people to learn about cultures other than their own?
I strongly feel that it is important for people to learn about other cultures besides their own, as someone's culture is a large influencing factor in one's life. It shapes who a person is and what they believe in. Learning and expanding your knowledge of different cultures, opens your eyes and shines a light on things you may have not noticed before. It is always good to expand your perspectives, and see how other people have been raised. You can always relate and express your own culture to others as well.
