I Am From……

Scotland Poland&

2

I Am From My Beautiful

Homeland PolandBoth my parents emigrated in search for a better life.

Many bloody wars were fought here.My parents were escaping communism.My mother a country girl.My father a city boy.

I am from the highlands of Scotland.My grandparents emigrated when my mother was only 7 months old. Leaving behind their friends, their home, and even their dog.Searching for a new, better life in America.

4

I am from a strict household with strong religious beliefs

We party on Christmas Eve like no other.We always find a reason to celebrate.

We have a tightly-knit family.Sundays are always spent at church and catching

up with family over never-ending dinners.

I am from wearing paper crowns on our heads to

celebrate Christmas

Surrounded by the loud explosion of the poppers we burst open.Laughing at the funny sight of us wearing paper crowns too big to fit our heads.Making memories that will last us a lifetime.

6

I am from blasting techno and the latest club releasesThe latest celebrity gossip is found on stands.

Fashion here is unique and no one is afraid to express themselves.Nasza Klasa is the new facebook

I am from the traditional Great Highland Bagpipe.

Pop-folk groups, indie bands, and rock/metal bands are currently taking over Scotland.Scottish clothing is high-end, using Britain as a role model.Traditional cloths are being saved for more formal events and the modern Scottish style is taking the fashion world by storm.

8

I am from the clear waters of the Morskie Oko to the lush grasslands of the north.

Millions come to see the extreme heights of

the Tatra Mountains.

The Dragon of Krakow still breathes fire.

The Mazurian lakes provide year round

tourism.

I am from the stunning castles atop the incredible mountains

of Scotland. Tourists come to see the tremendous heights of the Munros and Marilyns.The Stirling Castle is perched high on volcanic rock waiting for visitors to view two of Scotland’s two most historic battlefields and to explore its 15th-18th century interior.The Victoria Park & Fossil Grove include gardens where the floral displays are among the finest in the country.

10

I am from pursu

ing Polish

culture.

Hints for c

orrect b

ehavior and composu

re are always se

en on my

mother’s fa

ce.

High social status is

sometimes m

ore importa

nt than kindness.

God always comes first n

o matte

r what.

I am from expecting strong work ethics.

When my grandparents got out of school, they were only the young age of 16.The way you did in school effected the way the whole rest of your life was.They expected my mom to do good in school, even though in America we get out of school later, just like my parents do.

12

I am from feeling contrasted

I’m proud of my culture and unabashed.I feel distressed when I think about Poland’s horrific history.

I’m frustrated when I can’t cross the ocean to see my family.

I am from eagerness to someday visit Scotland.

Impatience is filling me as I imagine someday voyaging to the gorgeous land of Scotland.I feel sorrow for the 34,000 Scottish soldiers that died during World War II.I am proud to be half Scottish.

14

I am from change

Poland has become an independent nation in 1918.

Poland has extremely suffered from the

Warsaw uprising and World War ll in general.

President Lech Kaczynski is killed in a plane

crash while on his way to a ceremony in

Russia marking the 70th anniversary of the

Katyn massacre during World War II.

I am from change.

Scotland suffered greatly from World War II.During the bombings on Clyside in March 1941, only 8 out of about 11,000 houses survived and nearly 6,000 civilians were killed.Scotland is not an independent country, it is part of the United Kingdom.

16

I am from learning to accept

My Polish background has made me defiant to stereotyping

I have become more involved in world culturesIt made me more open to talking to different peopleNow I’m closer and more aware of world problems.

I am from wanting to learn more.My Scottish background makes me curious about my culture.I want to learn about my ancestors.I want to go see Scotland soon.

Bibliography•Interviewed Mom•Interviewed Aunt•Known information from visiting Poland and family.

•http://www.visitscotland.com/guide/see-and-do/visitor-attractions2/•http://www.scotlandswar.info/scotland-during-ww2.htm•http://geography.about.com/library/faq/blqzscotland.htm•Interviewed Grandparents•Interviewed Mom