My parents were not permitted to take with them the majority of their personal belongings, but, thankfully, cultural identity is not a tangible object that can easily be taken. Instead of jewelry or photographs, my family brought language and tradition. They brought recipes and stories. Though these items are not material, they were brought to a country in which they can be shared openly. I am sure there are aspects of life in Russia and Ukraine that my parents miss, but football and barbecues have mostly filled the void. The empty spaces that do remain are gradually being filled with new memories of “home”. Northeast Philadelphia carries a large Russian population and everyone brought a little something from the motherland. Entire supermarkets and shopping centers are stocked with Russian food, books, and music. Russian bookstores host Russian folk musicians on a weekly basis, while Russian movies arrive almost as quickly as American ones. I’m not sure if it would be easier for my parents to stop speaking Russian or English, fortunately they will never have to choose. Considering how little was let out of the country, most people have had few or no problems holding onto their traditions. Similarly, no one seems to mind adopting new ones.

My mama and papa fled in search of a better life and that’s exactly what they got, but they cannot even begin to process what they have given me. I can easily switch between two languages and have two cultures to call home. My entire life has been a quintessential American experience. I am a Russian Jew and have only ever claimed US citizenship. I do not have a single cultural identity and I do not need to pick sides. My future, and how I choose to incorporate both sides of my life, is entirely up to me. I am an American college student in New York, but I could not begin to explain the food in my refrigerator. I grew up with opportunities that my cousins in Russia can only dream of having. I am a minority, but I don’t let it hold me back. I am the poster child for the American dream.