My favorite drink my mom made for me as a kid was Jamaica. My family and I drank jamaica with dried hibiscus flowers and sugar over ice in my home on a hot summer day. Whenever I saw my mom boiling a big pot of burgundy hibiscus flowers, I knew it would be a great day.
My life has changed since moving to Berkeley, especially in how I express myself through my culture. One thing I took for granted while living with my family was the convenience of living in a Mexican household. In college, my mom no longer surprises me with cold Jamaica on a hot day or a large bowl of Pozole in winter. I am now responsible for upholding my cultural practices in my home away from home.
During my first year, I felt disconnected from a large part of my identity. I felt lonely and isolated, though eager to find the missing feeling I felt present in my heart. I missed hearing the sounds of expressive communication in Spanish spoken in my home, the terms of endearment used by my mom, the reminders of our family values, and the food. This period of cultural disconnection made me long for my fond childhood memories every day.
My sophomore year was different because I established an environment where my culture could thrive. Now, I have an apartment where I can make some of my childhood favorites such as chorizo and eggs, pot beans with cilantro, tomato, jalapeño, onion, and lime, my abuelita’s hot chocolate, and of course, jamaica. I also incorporate Mexican folk art in my home decor to feel even more connected. These small changes bring safety to my consciousness and have filled the missing part of my soul, which I longed for in my first year of college.
Incorporating culture in your college home brings safety and is a daily reminder of the significance it serves your identity. Whenever I am lonely, I can feel the design of my hand-stitched pillows from Olvera Street or look into my Hojalata mirror to feel connected to home. As young adults, we are responsible for nurturing our cultural needs and keeping these traditions alive for the next generations.