Jeneizy Medina
Jeneizy is of Cuban nationality, as she was born there. Unlike many other Cuban families residing in Miami, her family did not emigrate out of Cuba until the late 90s. This is unusual, as most of the Cuban immigrants in Miami arrived in the 60s, 70s, or even early 80s. From Cuba she went to Costa Rica, and then from Costa Rica she immigrated to the United States are the age of 7.
When asked if her Hispanic heritage plays a big part in her life, she responded yes without hesitation. She says that being Hispanic has taught her to be more independent, since her parents had to look out for themselves while they were in Cuba. She also, like many others, eats Hispanic food on a daily basis. She tells of her mom's cooking: arroz con frijoles [rice and beans], bistec empanizado [breaded steak], palomilla [steak], etc. She also emphasizes that the cuisine is an integral part of the Hispanic culture.
Jeneizy participates in lots of Hispanic traditions as the rest of the community does. She celebrates Noche Buena annually on Christmas Eve, and also celebrates Three Kings Day too. And also, like most other Cubans, she eats Cuban food on a daily basis. However, one things different about Jeneizy from my mom is that Jeneizy had a Quinceañera, where as my mom's parents could not afford such an expensive ordeal. When Jeneizy turned 15, her parents bought her a big dress, payed for her photoshoot, and rented out a ballroom for the night for her Quinceañera - her special night as the princess of the family. She had a dinner with her family, danced with her friends, and received gifts galore for the special occasion.
Jeneizy believes strongly that her residence in Miami has played an important role in allowing her to continue to practice her traditions and continue being part of her Cuban culture even after she left the island. Because of the easy accessibility of Cuban food, the Spanish language being spoken frequently, and Spanish music being played everywhere the culture still sticks with her and plays a huge part in her life. She also says that living in Miami has changed her a little bit, but for the better. She states that the Cuban people tend to be a little bit prejudiced, but that living in a "melting pot of worldly cultures," she states, has made her more tolerant of those that are different than her, and has taught her to be accepting of other people's traditions and cultures as well as embracing her own.
When asked if her Hispanic heritage plays a big part in her life, she responded yes without hesitation. She says that being Hispanic has taught her to be more independent, since her parents had to look out for themselves while they were in Cuba. She also, like many others, eats Hispanic food on a daily basis. She tells of her mom's cooking: arroz con frijoles [rice and beans], bistec empanizado [breaded steak], palomilla [steak], etc. She also emphasizes that the cuisine is an integral part of the Hispanic culture.
Jeneizy participates in lots of Hispanic traditions as the rest of the community does. She celebrates Noche Buena annually on Christmas Eve, and also celebrates Three Kings Day too. And also, like most other Cubans, she eats Cuban food on a daily basis. However, one things different about Jeneizy from my mom is that Jeneizy had a Quinceañera, where as my mom's parents could not afford such an expensive ordeal. When Jeneizy turned 15, her parents bought her a big dress, payed for her photoshoot, and rented out a ballroom for the night for her Quinceañera - her special night as the princess of the family. She had a dinner with her family, danced with her friends, and received gifts galore for the special occasion.
Jeneizy believes strongly that her residence in Miami has played an important role in allowing her to continue to practice her traditions and continue being part of her Cuban culture even after she left the island. Because of the easy accessibility of Cuban food, the Spanish language being spoken frequently, and Spanish music being played everywhere the culture still sticks with her and plays a huge part in her life. She also says that living in Miami has changed her a little bit, but for the better. She states that the Cuban people tend to be a little bit prejudiced, but that living in a "melting pot of worldly cultures," she states, has made her more tolerant of those that are different than her, and has taught her to be accepting of other people's traditions and cultures as well as embracing her own.