Gabrianna Flenoy

This is Gabrianna Flenoy. Gabrianna’s mother is from Germany and her father is from Arkansas. Her parents met while her father was in the army. Gabrianna knows some German but cannot actually speak it fluently. While she has never been to Germany, both of her older siblings have when they were younger and she hopes to go at some point in the future. She has visited her family in Arkansas, and she says there is not much cultural diversity in the area where they live. She loves to cook and gets her favorite recipes from her mom’s traditional German cooking.

Orly Voss de Bettancourt

This is Orly Voss de Bettancourt . Orly identifies as American, as she was born and raised here, as were both of her parents. Her mother is Jewish and so she was raised with knowledge of Jewish culture and she continues to celebrate the major holidays. Her grandfather on her dad’s side was French, though she says that really hasn’t had any influence in her life. Orly grew up in San Francisco, which she says is more diverse than what she has experienced off campus in So Cal. She enjoys Indian food, which she was exposed to through her aunt who was Indian. Orly has never left the US, but has heard stories about Israel from her mom, who has traveled there.  

Gabrielle Pagan

My name is Gabrielle Pagan, one of the editors/presenters. I was born in America, as were both of my parents. My family has never kept good records on our cultural background, though I know I have some Spanish blood somewhere along the line as well a bit of Scottish. I don’t speak any other language fluently, though I have learned some Spanish and American Sign Language. I come from a blended family, which I feel is somewhat common in the United States. I have two older brothers, one is my dad’s son and one is my mom’s, and I have a younger sister who has both of the same parents I do. My dad was born and raised in So Cal and hasn’t ever left, while my mom has lived in both California and Oregon. I’ve never left the United States, but would love to travel to Europe.

Cynthia Tso

My next interviewee's name is Cynthia Tso.  She and her parents are from Taiwan.  She lived there until she was 5 and then moved to America.  She is fluent in speaking Mandarin and can read and write it well too.  Her favorite food consists of Luo Bo Gao, which are Daikon Radish Cakes.  She claims that she can eat this for days every time she visits Taiwan.  Since moving to America, she has gone back to Taiwan three times.  She says that she loves it there and is looking forward to her next visit there next summer.  She is very much in touch with her culture and is proud of her Taiwanese background.    

Joshua Mogo

The first person I interviewed was Joshua Mogo.  His mother is from Cuban descent while his father is half Mexican and Japanese.  He is the perfect example of a "melting pot." He does not know how to speak Japanese or Spanish.  English is the only language he knows how to speak.  Although not too familiar with his Japanese or Cuban heritage, he stays close to his Mexican roots.  His favorite foods include any type of burritos or nachos.  He lived in Mexico for a year when he was 11 years old and has had the opportunity to visit his hometown many times.

Elicia Yum

Hi my name is Elicia, one of the three editors of this blog.  The main purpose of this blog is to showcase the variety of cultures that exist on the CSUF campus.  As for me, I have a Korean background with an Americanized cultural experience.  I have never been to Korea and was born here in the U.S.  Although I am not too familiar with my Korean background, I do love Korean food.  My favorites consist of Neng Myun which are spicy noodles, and Kimchi Fried Rice.  I would consider my Korean speaking skills to be proficient, but nothing more.  I find it easy to talk to my parents in Korean, but think that speaking to others at a more professional level is difficult.  Although I have never been to Korea, I plan to make a visit in the near future to connect with my national heritage.