"Connecting to one's culture is a deeply enriching experience, providing a sense of belonging, identity, and understanding of one's roots. For me, this connection is particularly meaningful as my parents have graciously shared their stories of our Turkish heritage, despite the journey from a small town in Turkey to various countries, including England, Canada, and eventually settling in the US. Their narratives serve as a bridge, linking me to our cultural heritage, instilling a profound appreciation for our traditions and values. One captivating aspect of Turkish culture that resonates deeply with me is the tradition of the Whirling Dervishes. Originating from the Sufi tradition, the Whirling Dervishes perform a mesmerizing dance known as the Sema, symbolizing a spiritual journey towards enlightenment and union with the divine. The rhythmic rotation, accompanied by music, embodies a profound sense of transcendence and inner peace. The Whirling Dervishes serve as reminder of the spiritual depth and cultural richness of Turkey. Their graceful movements and devotion to their art form encapsulate the essence of Turkish mysticism and philosophy, fostering a deeper connection to our cultural heritage. Personally, I am drawn to the Whirling Dervishes for their ability to evoke a sense of serenity, transporting me to a realm where time seems to stand still, which is why me and my mom combined our skills to create 2 beautiful paintings of the Whirling Dervishes. Furthermore, witnessing the Whirling Dervishes in action serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving and celebrating our cultural traditions. In a rapidly changing world, embracing and honoring our heritage becomes paramount in maintaining a sense of continuity and identity. Through the mesmerizing dance of the Whirling Dervishes, I am reminded of the timeless beauty and resilience of Turkish culture, igniting a sense of pride and gratitude within me for the rich tapestry of traditions passed down through generations."

"Twenty-four years ago, my mother immigrated from Shanxi Taiyuan to America with my father, initiating a culinary journey that would profoundly shape our family dynamics. Since then, she would cook a variety of dishes for me, my father, and my grandparents on a daily basis. Initially, my grandparents were concerned, regarding my father's assimilation to Asian cuisine. They were not sure that he would get used to enjoying it like they did, or even be able to eat with us. However, as time passed, and we ate more meals together, they learned how much he enjoyed Asian foods, such as dumplings, tofu, noodles, spring rolls, and more. Occasionally, my mother would make western-style food the food for us to try, such as home-made pizza, sandwiches, steak, and fries. My grandparents, to their surprise, enjoyed Western foods although they were used to having Asian foods their entire life. Over time, our dinner tables would begin to look like a mix of both culture’s foods. One half of the table could have dumplings, fried green beans, and spicy fish soup, while the other half could have pizza, steak, and drumsticks. I always thought it was very interesting how two cultures can combine and learn to enjoy each other’s foods, although they are so different. Presently, despite my grandparents’ return to China, our family maintains the tradition of eating together, sampling diverse dishes from various cultural traditions."

"In my drawing, I've captured a special memory with my grandfather, who was not only a master of calligraphy, but also was one of the most important figures in my life. In it, he's teaching me to write "家" (jiā), which means "home" or "family." This act, captured on paper, is a memorial of our bond and the enduring legacy of what "family" truly means."