Cultural

Collage
STEPHANIE VIVAS
EDU 280-CSN
Cultural Belonging
 Cultural Belonging
My dad holding a
My mom visiting her replica World Cup
hometown; wearing the hat trophy of his
she used to carry bread to favorite sport,
sell. soccer.
 Cultural Belonging-Family Background

 My mother was born in Michoacán, Mexico. She moved to California to live

with my aunt when she was 17 years old.
 My father was born in Chinandega, Nicaragua. Due to the war in Nicaragua,
my grandparents decided to move to Costa Rica when my father was only
10 years old. He decided to journey to United States at the age of 16 where
he arrived in California.
 My parents met in Hemet, California in 1986 where they were taking
English classes at an adult school. They had my sister in 1987 and married
in 1988. Soon after I was born in 1989.
My mom accompanied me to my friend’s
wedding. (2015)

Dad and I taking a selfie for his birthday. (2015)

Cultural Artifacts
 Cultural Belonging-Family Background

 I have three beautiful and amazing children. My first born is Israel who was
born on December 30, 2009. He is one of the biggest reasons I decided to
become a real estate agent. I knew I would be able to work on my own
schedule and spend as much time with him. My second son is Damian. He
was born October 1, 2013. He is such a funny and happy little boy. He is
very smart for his age and has his brother to thank for that. The newest
member of my family is Amelie. She was born just two months ago on
September 6, 2017. She has made me feel so complete!
 I met my husband two years ago. I met him while working at one of the
casinos. It was surprising to find out he was from the little city of Hemet just
like me. I was born July 6 and he was born July 1st. We have a lot of things
in common and I love spending time with him and my kids.
 Damian and Israel Amelie
Disney trip 2016

The loves of my life. First

picture of all 3 of them
together.

Cultural Artifacts
 Cultural Belonging-Languages

Both of my parents spoke Spanish and were barely learning how to speak English, so
my first language was Spanish. When I started school I did not know how to speak
any English at all. I remember being in preschool and having trouble asking my
teacher to help me tie my shoe. I didn’t actually start learning English well until I
moved to Las Vegas when I was around 6 years old. That is when I first experienced
a comment of racism towards me. I was playing outside during recess when another
student came up to me and said I was a “wetback” and started laughing. I had no
idea what that was until my parents told me. I remember feeling bad about it, but it
didn’t stop me from staying positive about moving to Las Vegas and making new
friends. I am happy that I am able to speak two languages. It has helped me at
school and it has been a great benefit when it comes to the jobs I have had.
 Cultural Belonging-Citizenship
I was born in Hemet, California which makes me a natural born citizen of the United States.
Hemet is part of San Bernardino County which is where I lived for the first 6 years of my life. I then
moved to Las Vegas and have lived here ever since. I am a Las Vegas resident and although I
love living here, my goal is to go back and live in California. I love how easy it is to get around in
Las Vegas. The streets are wide and even though there is traffic, it’s not as bad as California
traffic. California has an endless list of things I love. There is so many great beaches to go to from
busy beaches with shops, to a little more secluded beaches like Moonlight beach in Encinitas,
California. There is so many great amusement parks and museums as well. I like taking my kids to
Disneyland and I enjoy going to Universal Studios for Horror Nights with my husband. There is so
many places to try great food. Turkey burgers a foot high, pizza with hot Cheetos, and ice
cream cones made out of churros are just a few of the great tasting foods you can find in
California. My goal is to become a permanent resident of California, preferably around San
Diego.
 Moonlight Beach-One of my favorite beaches

Cheeto Pizza
from Ameci’s
Pizza Kitchen in
Glendale, CA.

Cultural Artifacts Family trips to amusement parks are always fun

Life Experiences
 Cultural Belongings-Family Traditions
Both of my parents moved to the United States when they were very young leaving behind most
of their family. My father to this day does not have any family living in the United States. My
mother has 3 brothers that live in Californian and Arizona. Even so, I have always been a family
oriented person. I have 2 brothers and 2 sisters. My parents have always taught me how
important family is and I have kept that going with my kids as well. We love spending time
together especially during the holidays. We celebrate holidays such as Halloween, Thanksgiving,
and Christmas. My mom used to be the one to cook when we were younger, but now I am the
one that cooks for everyone. Since my dad doesn’t have family in the United States I grew up
eating Mexican food more than Nicaraguan food. The only thing my mom learned how to make
that was Nicaraguan was naca tamales. They are delicious tamales wrapped in banana leaves.
She made a lot of food that was spicy, so now I feel I don’t really like food that doesn’t have
spice to it. Even my favorite chips and candy are spicy! My kids and my husband don’t really eat
spicy food, so I have had to learn different recipes to serve them. I can always count on
spaghetti for that!
 Celebrating holidays with all of my family is the best!

Cultural Artifacts

I am really close to
I love to celebrate birthdays! My son showing how excited he is
my sister. We even
to see his grandma after her trip to
got matching
Mexico
tattoos!
Life Experiences

Moving to Las Vegas at 6 years old was challenging for

me. I was scared to make new friends and I didn’t speak
English well. My dad had decided to move us to Las
Vegas. He was working in Las Vegas all week and would
go back to California on weekends. There was more
work in Las Vegas since he was a construction worker, so
we moved.
Life Experiences- Education
When I first moved here I was in first grade
and went to Mountain View Elementary
School. Due to the zone change, I had to go
to school at Lowman for second grade. Third
through fifth grade I went to J.E Manch which
was right next to Lowman. Luckily, I only went
to one middle school which was
O’Callaghan. I then went to Eldorado High
School for my freshman and part of my
sophomore year. My parents got a divorce in
the middle of my sophomore year, so I ended
up moving and being zoned for Desert Pines.
I moved yet again and had the option of
finishing school at Desert Pines or going to
Valley. I decided to finish High School and
graduated from Valley High School in 2007.
 Life Experiences-Education-College

 I graduated High School and was able to get the Millennium Scholarship since I had
a GPA higher than 3.5.
 The millennium was taken from me since I had too many absences, but my boss at
the time had agreed to pay for my college and books as long as I got all A’s and B’s.
 The economy started to crash in 2008 and my boss was no longer able to pay for my
education. I tried to continue my education, but then I ended up getting pregnant
and having a miscarriage which left me devastated and depressed. I failed mostly all
my classes that semester and felt I could not continue my education.
 Eight years later I decided it was time to go for my goal of becoming an elementary
school teacher. I applied for FAFSA and was able to get assistance to continue my
education. I am now almost done with my credits and next semester I will have my
associates in Elementary Education.
Life Experiences- Skills and Experiences

 Many people don’t like moving from job to job. I am the complete opposite. If I don’t
enjoy where I am at or know I can do better I will continue to search for something
better. This has led me to have many skills and I’ve learned where I feel I fit in better.
 My first two jobs were in retail. I worked at a clothing store and then went to work at a
cellphone store thanks to my sister. I enjoyed working there since technology of
cellphone was improving at an incredible rate. I was able to attend conventions like the
CES which has all the upcoming technology devices.
 Life Experiences- Skills and Experiences

 I ended up leaving the retail industry due to the economy crash. The store I
was working at wasn’t making enough sales.
 I purchased my first home when I was 18 years old and my real estate
agent hired me as her assistant. This was one of the most important
experiences of my life, because this is where I found what I truly wanted to
do as a career. Since many people were going into foreclosure we helped
modify their payments so they wouldn’t lose their homes. It was such a
rewarding feeling knowing I helped save people from foreclosure. I knew
then that I wanted to work somewhere that allowed me to help people.
 I became a real estate agent in 2010 and have enjoyed it ever since. I
have had it as a part time job while working in the casino industry. The
casino industry was not for me so I applied for the school district. I knew I
wanted to work helping students and wanted experience before I
become a teacher.
I have been loyal and stayed with Realty One
Group since day 1. They share the same values
as I do which is why I have been with them for 7
years now.
One of the first houses I sold. My clients
later decided to sell it.
They loved how caring I was with them and

Cultural Artifacts
allowed me to sell it for them as well.
 Life Experiences- Interests, hobbies, and talents
 Since I was little I’ve always been a fan of cars. My dad
used to take me to the junk yard when he needed parts Car Wish List
and I enjoyed going with him. The first car I fell in love
with was the 1967 Shelby fastback. Then I liked the 1996 1988-1993 Ford Mustang
mustang and Chevrolet Corvette. I’m still a huge fan of
the mustangs, but now the body style I like the least is the 2016 Audi A7
‘96 mustang! My dad first taught me how to drive with a
manual transmission car when I was 15 years old. I
1950’s Cadillac Deville
purchased my first car when I was 17 years old which was
a 1990 Ford Mustang convertible. My favorite cars that I
1987 Buick Grand National
have owned would have to be my red 1992 ford 2007 Mercedes G63
Mustang fastback and my 1962 Cadillac Fleetwood.
My1967 ShelbyFleetwood
1962 Cadillac Fastback
Once, I get my associates I will reward myself with a
mustang just like the red one I used to own.
 Life Experiences- Interests, hobbies, and talents

 Something I have found to enjoy is hiking. I

never thought I would enjoy it until a friend
told me to go with her one day. I gave it a
shot and I realized how rewarding it was.
The views you get from hiking are like no
other. I’ve only been hiking in Nevada, but
you’ll be surprised at how much beauty lies
outside our city lights. My favorite hiking
trails are the Gold Spike trail near Boulder
City and the Bristlecone trail in Mt.
Bristlecone hike with my good friend Moria
Charleston. I haven’t been hiking lately due
to my newborn and not having enough
time, but I plan to very soon.
 Life Experiences- Interests, hobbies, and talents

 I’ve never been someone that likes watching T.V. I just feel like I
am wasting time watching shows. The only thing I would enjoy
watching is movies (except horror). By meeting my husband I
now watch something I never thought I would watch. I can now
saw I am a proud member of Raider Nation! I love watching
football, especially watching my team. I have learned so much
about football these past two years.

 If I am not watching movies or football with my family I enjoy

spending time with them. We like going to California and visiting
the different amusement parks, beaches, and restaurants. I am
at my happiest when I am with my family.
 Life Experiences- Interests, hobbies, and talents

 My parents did a great job in teaching me to be an

independent person. In doing so, they have raised me
to believe in myself and know that I can do anything I
want to do. That’s why I enjoy fixing things so much. I
love working on my house and fixing things. I consider
myself somewhat of a handyman. I get satisfaction
from mowing the lawn, fixing the plumbing, and doing Halloween
minor repairs. I also enjoy doing furniture restorations. I costumes I
love antiques, so whenever I see antiques whether in made for
good condition or not , I know I will be able to make it my kids last
the way I want to. year.(2016)
Personal Worldview
Personal Worldview-Values and Standards

Values
Family- My family always comes first. The most important decisions I make in life are whatever
will be best for them.
Positivity- I like to stay positive as much as possible. Whenever issues seem to arise, I believe
staying positive will help bring solutions.
Service to others- It should be everyone’s duty to provide service to one another. I feel happy
being able to help people that can appreciate my help such as children.
Fairness/Equality- Everyone has the right to equality. We should all be given the same chance
and be fair to one another.
Happiness- Whatever makes me happy is what I will strive to do. Positivity creates happiness and
happiness creates success.
Balance- It is important to balance work, family, school, and hobbies.
Personal Worldview-Values and Standards

Standards- This goes hand in hand with values. I believe everyone

deserves:
Dignity
Respect
Honesty
Kindness
Trust
 Personal Worldview-Religious Beliefs
As an adult I would identify myself
My mother was raised Catholic and my father more as a spiritual person than
was raised Baptist. We went to catholic church religious. I believe in God in the
a few times a month, but it was not of high sense that we are all energy with
importance if we missed church every now God being the most powerful.
and then. My parents did not baptize me Growing up with a Catholic mom
because my father did not believe in baptism I highly believe in the Virgin
for infants or children. He did read to us Maria. My beliefs are to be caring
Christian stories and would sometimes read the to everyone and most
bible to us. My dad was very open to the importantly to love.
beliefs of different religions. I believe my father
was trying to show us that no matter what
religion the values pretty much are the same.
He thought us about kindness, honesty, and
love for one another.
Personal Worldview-Codes of Conduct

Codes of conduct tie in with personal values and standards. When it

comes to the workplace, if the codes of conduct are not aligned with
your personal values it will not be successful.
As a real estate agent I am part of the Association of Realtors. Within
this association there are duties owed that we have to follow. It talks
about our duties to be honest and loyal to our clients.
As a teacher I know I will be able to teach students what should be
universal codes of conduct for school as well as outside of school. This
again, will tie in with the values and standards I believe in.
Personal Worldview-Biases and Prejudices

In many cultures and religions there are several examples of being bias or
prejudice against a certain group. I am thankful that my parents were able to
break away from any biases and prejudices they may have been taught.
They taught me to have an open mind and give everyone a chance. I
believe that everyone has the right to be happy so long as their actions do
not harm others in any way. I stay away from anyone who shows any bias or
prejudice behaviors that are negative.
 Personal Worldview-Short Term Goals

01 02 03 04 05 06
Short Term Complete Become a Purchase a Make small Visit a state
Goals Associate’s substitute Ford updates to I haven’t
Degree teacher Mustang home been to
Personal Worldview-Long Term Goals

Complete Become Become Do Move Travel

•Complete •Become a •Become an •Do major •Move to •Travel the

Bachelor’s third grade elementary upgrades to California world.
degree at teacher. school home such somewhere •Visit
UNLV. principal. as near San Thailand,
detached Diego. Jamaica,
office, pool, Mexico,
and gate. Nicaragua,
Costa Rica,
and many
more
countries.
Love, be loved, and be happy!