The Third Option

It seems like everyone today is trying to find their own "identity". Everyone wants to fit in and belong, but at the same time they still want to honor and continue to practice their culture and traditions. The thing is that this world is not the world that makes you choose between two options. We're allowed to have our own opinions and be able to pick and choose between what we like and what we do not like. Personally, this topic is not something that I struggle with. Even though I grew up in the Philippines for the most of my life, I am fortunate enough to grow up with accepting parents that supports me in the decisions that I choose to make.

 

When I first came here, I did not really know what to expect. I did not know whether or not I was going to continue to live the way that I have been living my whole life, or if  I had to start a new one. Luckily, I was welcomed into this community where everyone was just like me. They were all Filipinos that had grown up in the Philippines and ended up immigrating here in America. They have basically already picked and chose between Filipino and American culture. They already did the work for me. They gladly helped me with my transition, and they are still here in my life to support me as well as my family. 

So how do we do it? How were we able to adapt to this American society and still keep our own culture? It's simple, really. We just do what is comfortable to us. We do not care of what other thinks because it is not their happiness that concerns us.We are a group of people that watches the Superbowl and celebrate Thanksgiving just like anyone else, but we still observe our own Filipino holidays like The Saints' Day and the Filipino Independence Day.

Overall, people should not be forced to pick between the American culture and their own culture. The thing is that there is a third option, and in this case, we are allowed to combine the two. Who says that we are not allowed to do what we please? Why should we care what people say?