Cultural Autobiography Analysis

I was born and raised in the small, rural town of Knox, Pennsylvania. I have lived in the same house, gone to the same school, and attended the same church since way before I could remember. Almost everyone in my community is Caucasian. In fact, I only have only one bi-racial friend and only know of two black families within our school district. I remember last year, at the beginning of the school year, a family from Panama move to our town. They had a son that started at my high school and did not speak English at all. He suddenly became one of the most popular, well known students at our school, purely because everyone was so interested in him and his story. His attendance bought an inkling of cultural diversity to our school and made the atmosphere slightly more interesting. As far as religions go, people in my hometown would most certainly claim to be either a Christian or a non-believer. No other churches or religious groups even exist in Knox, to my knowledge. To say the least, the town of Knox has taught me many things, but I can’t say it has provided me with the opportunity to learn and grow culturally in ways I may have hoped. Although it seems as though I would know little of different cultures outside of textbook definitions, I actually have travelled places that have absolutely broadened my views and
I saw the prestigious, resort-filled side of the country, as well as the impoverished, third world side of the country. It was incredible. For the first time ever, I was introduced to true poverty, witchcraft and witch doctors, authentic Latin American food, an incomprehensible language barrier, new clothing standards, vulnerable and wholehearted Christian worship, and Spanish music. The entire trip helped cultivate and foster my previous knowledge and I am so thankful for that opportunity that was made available for