Prompt: If you could share one dish from your culture or family traditions with someone who has never tried it, what would you choose? What would you want that person to understand about you or your culture through that dish?

Prompt Response: I would share palusami, a traditional Samoan dish made with taro leaves and coconut cream.

Summary: I would want someone to understand that food is an important part of my Samoan culture because it brings family together and keeps traditions alive.

Reflection: Being Black and Samoan is something I am proud of. Sharing a traditional dish would help someone learn about my background and understand the importance of family and culture.

Oct 15 — Food Customs in My Family

Prompt Response: One food custom I grew up with is sharing food with family during meals and special occasions.

Summary: In my Black and Samoan background, food can bring people together and help families stay connected. Sharing meals shows love, care, and respect.

Reflection: This custom reminds me how important family is in both cultures. Food is more than something we eat; it is also a way to connect with our culture and each other.

Oct 13 — When Food Stereotypes Changed My Perspective

Prompt Response: I realized that some of my opinions about foods came from stereotypes and things I heard from other people.

Summary: Sometimes people judge foods from other cultures without trying them. I learned that every culture has different foods and traditions that are meaningful to its people.

Reflection: This taught me not to judge a food before trying it. I should be open to learning about other cultures instead of believing stereotypes.

Oct 12 — A Dish That Represents My Culture

Prompt Response: A dish that represents my culture is Samoan food, especially palusami.

Summary: Palusami is a traditional Samoan dish made with taro leaves and coconut cream. It represents my Samoan culture because food brings family together and keeps traditions alive.

Reflection: Being Black and Samoan gives me two cultures to be proud of. Learning about traditional foods helps me appreciate my background and where my family comes from.

Sept 28

 Prompt Response:

When I was younger, I believed that adults had everything figured out and always knew what to do. As I got older, I realized that adults are still learning and making mistakes just like everyone else.

Summary:
I believed adults always knew the answers and had everything under control.

Reflection:
Now I understand that nobody has everything figured out. Growing up has taught me that making mistakes is normal and can help you learn.

Sept 25

Prompt Response:
Troy’s experience made me think about how unfair treatment can limit people’s opportunities. If I were in Troy’s position, I would speak up for myself and work hard to make sure I was being treated fairly.

Summary:
Troy is frustrated because racial discrimination affects his opportunities at work.

Reflection:
I think everyone should have a fair chance, no matter their race or background. This part of the play shows how discrimination can affect someone’s life and career.

Sept 24

 Prompt Response:

The character who stood out to me the most was Rose because she stayed strong through everything she went through with Troy. The biggest theme I noticed was family and forgiveness. My project shows Rose’s struggles and how she found the strength to keep moving forward.

Summary:
Fences shows how family, choices, and forgiveness can affect people.

Reflection:
I learned that people can make mistakes, but it’s important to learn from them and move forward.