Colonial Italian American Organization Donor Scholarship

My grandmother, Marie, is a true testament to the American dream. Born and raised in Sicily, she made the courageous decision to leave her homeland and start a new life in America when she was 13. With only one of her sisters by her side they embarked on a journey that would forever change the course of their lives and the lives of their descendants. Marie brought with her a deep sense of pride in her Italian heritage. From the way she prepares her homemade pasta sauce to the stories she tells of her childhood in Sicily, she has never lost touch with her roots. Every Sunday, our family gathers around the table to enjoy a traditional Italian meal prepared lovingly by my grandmother and mother. The aromas of garlic and tomatoes fill the air, transporting us back to the streets of Sicily.Despite the challenges and hardships they faced as immigrants, my grandmother and grandfather worked tirelessly to provide for their family. Their work ethic and determination serve as an inspiration to me each and every day. As my grandmother approaches her 95th birthday, I have made the decision to live with her and help her with her daily needs and tasks. It is the least I can do for the woman who has sacrificed so much for her family. Watching her struggle with the simplest of tasks reminds me of the strength and resilience she has exhibited throughout her life. It is because of my grandmother that I have chosen to pursue a career in law. She has always stressed the importance of standing up for what is right and fighting for justice. I want to continue her legacy by making a positive impact in the field of law. I want to bring diversity and different perspectives to the table, challenging the status quo and advocating for those who may not have a voice. I know that pursuing a career in law will not be easy. It will require hard work, dedication, and perseverance. But I am willing to do whatever it takes to make my grandmother proud. I want her to know that her sacrifices were not in vain, and that her legacy will live on through me. I am determined to break down the stereotypes that surround immigrants and show the world the valuable contributions they make to society. I want to be a beacon of hope for those who may feel marginalized or misunderstood. I want to be a source of strength and inspiration for my grandmother and all those who have come before me. In the eyes of my grandmother, I see the unyielding spirit of a woman who has overcome every obstacle life has thrown her way. I am grateful for the lessons she has taught me, the wisdom she has imparted, and the love she has given unconditionally. I want to honor her in everything I do, and I know that by pursuing a career in law, I am taking the first step towards making her proud.

One day my Grandma and I were in her kitchen trying to make cupcakes from a box cake mix. I was way too young to know anything about fractions and confidently read the completely wrong measurement for the oil out to my grandma, or "Ma" as I know her. Our cupcakes ended up more like oil cakes due to the extra two cups of oil that found their way into the mixture nonetheless, we laughed until we cried and didn't get too caught up on our baking fail. That was the first (and probably only) time my Ma had ever cooked anything bad. Something so special about Italian heritage is every Italian Grandma's ability to unite their family through food. I grew up knowing Ma's kitchen as a place that was always filled with life. Her kitchen watched not only myself but our entire family go through every holiday, life stage, milestone, and achievement. Being Italian has taught me many things, especially because I don't fit the stereotype of what a "classic" Italian looks like. Through my heritage, I've learned to embrace loudness and chaos, to speak with my hands, and to be passionate about everything I experience in a world where life is much too short. My heritage has taught me to value family over everything, no matter the amount of petty disagreements. It taught me that blood is always thicker than water (maybe not thicker than Ma's pasta sauce though.) This culture, especially its love for food and cooking for others, has taught me to make a plate for everyone, figuratively and literally. Italians are so passionate about food and love to share their cooking with everyone from all walks of life. Watching my family and generations before me welcome others with open arms has taught me that there's always a seat for everyone at the table, no matter where they come from or where they're headed. No one in my family has ever gone to medical school, become a doctor, or even expressed any kind of interest in the medical field at all, which is such a shame. I know that for a fact with the welcoming demeanor that my family offers to anyone they come across any one of my relatives would be a phenomenal physician. When I become a physician one day, I want to utilize all of the lessons I learned in Ma's kitchen. I will be kind to all and welcoming to everyone from all walks of life, just like my Italian ancestors taught me to be. I will use the passion I learned from my ancestors to always give my 100% to everything that I do in my studies and my career. Being Italian has taught me so much more than good recipes, and I plan on using those Italian ideals to bring kindness and compassion into a world that could always use more of it.