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Aaban badar  80j

I didn't have any experience coming to the US because I was born in the US. but I experienced many things in America because I was here for 14 years. My parents were in Pakistan and right before my 2 sisters and I were born, she flew all the way to New York which is a blessing. Then we bought a 3 story house which my sisters and I are so grateful that our parents worked really hard to get a house. It is really really overwhelming in New York, US.

We also explored the nice cities and many other cool places. I am surprised at how huge and big this land is, seeing the map, huge towers, cities, and more since it's the 3rd largest country in the world. I also saw the Statue of Liberty which was an amazing feeling of how cool it is to see in person and also went inside of it too! We went all over the US too to explore places like San Francisco, LA, LV, Florida, Georgia, Washington, Alabama, and all the way out of North America we went to one of my favorite places ever! Portugal! Overall my experience in the US was amazing.

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JK, Yemen

I was born in America but although I was born here, I wasn't very experienced in the traditions, cultures, or language of this country. As a kid I was born speaking the language my parents spoke to me which was arabic. I was fluent in Arabic but no other language. I was born in America but raised as an Arab so as soon as I entered school I struggled understanding. I didn't know how to communicate with other kids and it was hard for me to get along with everyone.  I was also very confused on the cultures and traditions because as a kid entering preschool with everything different from what I learned was very difficult. It means I have to learn everything else and the opposite of everything I've learned. That was my personal experience in America.

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She went through many hardships coming here but now we all go to her for help. She was born in Bangladesh on August 7, 2006, at the time our dad lived in Singapore and my mom was taking care of her alone. Our dad decided he wanted to move to America and applied for my mom and her to come. Summer of when she was turning 4 in 2010 they got approved and immigrated to America. She didn’t know any English, or how to act with the huge cultural differences. It was a month before she would start pre k and she had no way to communicate at school. When she entered pre k she got bullied by this girl in her class for not knowing English or how to act with others.

It was also the year my mom was pregnant with me so my parents were focused on that which left my sister to mostly figure things out on her own. She would come home everyday and sit on the couch for hours trying to figure out how to speak English and mumble words trying to make sentences. When she would make a mistake on speaking English in pre k the girl would always laugh at her. It got so bad that she had to switch her pre k class. Eventually she was able to fluently speak and write in English. As I was born and started to speak she would speak to me in English and teach me how to read and write earlier because she didn’t want me to go through the same thing. Now she gets amazing grades and even got valedictorian of her class in hs. She’s the person my family goes to when they need help with something and ironically Ela is her best subject.

This is the story of my older sister and how she overcame her hardships of immigrating to the US

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MG, Georgia

Immigrating to the United States was a big decision to make for me, my sister, and my mom. We had hardships that we had to leave behind, and all our houses and families to have better lives. We moved to the United States to have better education, to have more friendly and wide selections of different people to meet that immigrated from different countries as well. I remember the first time we got out of airport we didn't have to worry about being misunderstood, we came straight from Russia, so we meet some nice people that spoke Russian to tell us how to get to our place and how to call uber, basic stuff like that really made us surprised how everyone was so friendly and were open to communication with foreigners like us. First time seeing New York was amazing!! I was so excited to find new friends and learn about different cultures and how everything works. As a person who has been living in a very strict and not open country which restricted me to do want stuff that is normal here, it was so weird it took a while to get used to it. The way children act, play, and learn in school was so weird for me. I had a lot of pressure in Russia but here it seems that children's mental health matters more than grades or who you are or where you're from. It was first a good experience and I felt really free in this country, but of course I met many people who had not very nice things to say to me because of my looks, because I immigrated and for not being able to speak english. What I noticed is that it was mainly people from countries I'm really familiar with. I was surprised to see they are still the same and not even trying to adjust to American culture and just live freely. That of course made me very upset and insecure but I learned to deal with it and stand up for myself. I do always admire people or specifically younger generations standing up for themselves or for their friends when someone is being rude or racist to them, of course without violence. It gave me inspiration to do so myself and now I feel great. I've found many friends from many cultures which would definitely not be possible in Russia or my home country Georgia, I think it's truly great. So many job opportunities, people looking at talents and thinking it's actually worth it, in russia talk about fashion school? No way your parents would let you pursue your passion. America is truly great because of support for children's interests and dreams. I can finally feel like I can speak about my opinions and not be scared of being called out in class. Teachers are amazing, I wish I could thank all of them for their efforts.

My mom also really likes America for being so open to having so many jobs and opportunities no matter your age. She believes she can finally express herself and have a free voice. She always talked about how it was always her dream to come to America and leave our toxic environment which she had been following all her life. I can truly see her happiness and how many communities and friends that are by her side now. She often talks about how many amazing places there are and that she wants to stay in this country for the rest of her life. She believes it's so open, loud, non- biased, and fair. All of us now believe that we have freedom of doing or saying anything as long as it's respectful and fair. We now believe we belong somewhere, we feel that we are part of America with no shame, but pride.

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THE WEIGHT OF THE MOVE.. A chronicle of the arduous journey to the United States.... as told by 8th grade students..

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THE WEIGHT OF THE MOVE.. A chronicle of the arduous journey to the United States.... as told by 8th grade students..

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Students describe their journey from foreign lands to the U.S. Included in this is raw emotion, struggles, and hardships. In the end, we celebrate one another and all we have been through. Here are their stories.....

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I am the color of the Cocoa beans Jamaica produces

The green, yellow, and black in my nation's flag represent wealth, resilience and hope.

I speak English, but Jamaica speaks Patois, an English dialect.

It sounds like the Goombay drums I have in my house

I am a blending of creamy and flavorful rice and peas, and savory, spicy jerk pork

I am the rhythm of bouncy reggae and the fast paced bass of dancehall

My face resembles my donor dad and my mom

My eyes tell a thousand stories of hardship and perseverance

My voice is the sound of the busy markets and many trying to make a living

My culture is filled with African, European, and indigenous influences from slavery in the past, learning from colonists and slave masters till we gained independence.

Diversity everywhere in Jamaica.

My culture is the bright yellow colors of the ackee, and the red peppers with greyish saltfish.

My culture is the

My culture is the reddish plaids of the bandana fabric on the traditional dresses.

My culture is ME.

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Haiti is a beautiful country in the Caribbean with a rich history and culture. It was the first independent Black republic in the world, and its people are known for their strength and determination. Haiti has colorful art, lively music, and delicious food that reflect its unique traditions. Many visitors enjoy its warm climate, beaches, and mountains.

The people of Haiti are one of the country's greatest strengths. Even during difficult times, Haitians often show resilience and a strong sense of community. Families, neighbors, and local organizations work together to help one another. Haiti's culture, history, and hardworking people make it a special and important nation that has contributed greatly to the world.

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I am a Barbadien Guyanese American by mason mcalister

I am the colors of blue,black,yellow,green,and red

A Bajan Guyanese doesn’t stop feeding until there is nothing left.

I speak with a soft vaguely heard accent

It sounds like the wind gushing through the air Rockets soaring up to space.

I am the blending of macaroni pie and fish cakes with Lo mein and curry chicken mixed together.

I am the rhythm of soca and calypso mixed together.

My face resembles my moms luscious face and my dads amazing curls.

My eyes represent my mom's journey through life.

My voice represents my family culture.

I am a crazy stubborn funny cool, a joyride of fun Barbadien guyanese american.

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Russia is super cold sometimes,
With snowy roads and church bell chimes.
The people wear big fluffy coats
And drink hot tea while wrapped in quilts.

There are tall buildings in Moscow town
And pretty lights all shining down.
Kids play outside and throw snowballs,
Then hurry home through icy halls.

I heard the music sounds so cool,
With dancing people at each school.
The old traditions still stay strong,
With stories, art, and folk style songs.

Russia is huge, like really wide,
With forests stretching side to side.
It seems mysterious and neat,
A place with history in every street. Pelmeni there is all I eat, with chicken, pork but mostly meat.

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Jamaica is a small island located in the Caribbean Sea. The island is the third largest island in the Caribbean and was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1494. But my family and I were born and raised in Clarendon. Clarendon is a parish in Jamaica located in the middle to the south of the island. Jamaica is known for many different tasty foods. It is a mixture of species culture and foods that can be found from across the Caribbean Sea. Jamaican meals are most popular for their use of sauces, coconut, rice and beans, as well as fish, chicken and beef and meats. Some of Jamaica's most popular dishes includes scotch bonnet pepper, thyme,and ginger to make chicken dishes such as jerk chicken, brown stew chicken oxtail and my personal favorite curry chicken which is chicken cropped into small pieces, seasoned with Jamaican herbs and spices and yellow Jamaican curry powder.

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I am a part of the country, the chamakta mani(sparkling gem) – in south asia, Pakistan.

I am the colors of vibrant emerald and white, representing the unity and resilience of a nation born from the struggles of its people, the Hope for peace, and the endless potential that lies within every corner of the land.
I speak in the melodies of Urdu, Pashto, Punjabi, and Sindhi; a harmonious blend of dialects that carry the weight of  the citizens who have shaped this land.

میں پاکستانی ہوں۔

I am a blend of rich, aromatic biryani that fills the air, spicy chapli kebabs sizzling on the roadside grills, and the sweet warmth of gajar ka halwa paired with the savoury puri that is  shared among friends and families.  I am the warm lassi that calms our soul, each bite and sip tasting of history and hospitality.

I am the rhythm of the dhol, beating loudly during shadis, the energy of the drums ignites the spirits of my family that had gathered, filling the air with pure joy and hope. Smiles spread across the place, each one telling a different story.

My face resembles the beauty of my mom, the winding rivers that snake through fertile plains, I have Husn-e-nazar, my brown eyes shine throughout the eyes of others- my eyes being warm and inviting. My eyes tell the tale of resilience and pain, where moments of struggle and joy blend.

میں پاکستانی ہوں۔

My voice tells the narrative of a land where centuries-old traditions dance with the rhythms of modernity, when my cousins and I would  be together laughing amongst the dark sky, where the crackle of a radio broadcast about a pakistani cricket match sparks the collective heartbeat of an entire nation, and where the laughter of a family around a dinner table is the loudest sound of all.
I am the land where every city has its own flavor, from the bustling streets of Karachi, where cultures collide and coexist, to the serene beauty of Mingora to the villages of Gujarat, where nature’s calm teaches the value of peace, where the sun shines creating the most stunning landscape

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I am white and red

derived from the country's ancient coat of arms

I am the church on the mountain

spreading faith and loyalty

I am the farmer that works hard in the blazing hot sun

I am the rosół on the stove waiting for the maggi to be poured on me

I am biedronka opening at 7 am in the morning

I am the sound of rustling winds in the Tatra Mountains

I am the country of tumultuous history and resilient spirit

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Montenegro's history is a remarkable tale of a rugged, fiercely independent people who used their mountainous terrain to withstand centuries of conquest. Evolving from ancient Illyrian tribes to a medieval kingdom, it later achieved international recognition as an independent state in 1878 before becoming a cornerstone of Yugoslavia. When Yugoslavia violently disintegrated in the 1990s, Montenegro remained in a federation with Serbia, eventually forming the loose State Union of Serbia and Montenegro in 2003. On May 21, 2006, the Montenegrin people voted for full independence via a historic referendum. Since regaining sovereignty, Montenegro has rapidly modernized. It adopted the euro, became a NATO member, and remains a leading candidate for accession into the European Union.

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Back then, many people immigrated to the U.S. in hopes of having work and living the "easy life", including my parents. China, being the place where my parents were born, was and still is very overpopulated, making it very difficult to have good work. Both of my parents were not academically intelligent, so they had immigrated here.

In China, my grandparents owned a farm and my father helped them slaughter chickens to sell. When my father was my age he was a troublemaker, getting into many fights and ending his education by graduating high school. My mother had stopped going to school by 6th grade, so she had been working for most of her adolescent years.

In the present, there are many different parts of China. Many have different languages despite living in the same country, causing my parents to speak different languages, but both know how to speak Mandarin.

Both of the parts of China they are from also have different foods. On my father's side, they eat more meat and dim sum. Having roasted pork, duck, and goose with mainly rice. My mother's side really likes seafood. With them having oyster cakes and shellfish.

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Tajikistan is a rugged, mountainous, landlocked country in Central Asia, renowned as the "Roof of the World". Over 93% of its terrain is covered by the towering Pamir and Fann mountain ranges, making it an ultimate off-the-beaten-path destination for extreme adventure, trekking, and ancient Silk Road history.

The Pamir Highway: One of the highest, most spectacular international roads in the world, stretching through the breathtaking Pamir Mountains.

Fann Mountains: Offers world-class trekking with stunning alpine scenery and crystal-clear lakes like Kulikalon and Iskanderkul.

Dushanbe: The capital city, featuring lush parks, bazaars, and the 50-foot reclining Buddha at the.

Wakhan Valley: A scenic, historic corridor along the Afghan border rich with ancient petroglyphs and hot springs.

Tajik cuisine is a hearty, meat-and-grain-heavy tradition heavily influenced by Persian, Turkic, and Afghan cultures. Staples include rice, fresh greens, bread, and dairy. Dining is deeply communal, with flatbread considered sacred.

Qurutob: The undisputed national dish. It’s a rich, vegetarian mix of torn fatir (layered flatbread) soaked in a tangy sauce made from melted qurut (dried, salty cheese balls), topped with fresh tomatoes, herbs, and oils.

Oshi Palav (Plov): Often referred to simply as osh, this is Tajikistan's beloved national rice pilaf. It is made with chunks of beef or lamb, shredded yellow carrots, and onions, simmered together in a deep cast-iron pot (kazan) and typically served on a large communal plate.

Shurbo: A hearty, traditional meat and vegetable soup. The most common version contains large chunks of mutton or beef, potatoes, and carrots, slowly simmered into a rich broth and served with a side of flatbread.

Sambusa: The ultimate Tajik street food. These are triangular, oven-baked or fried pastries filled with heavily spiced meat and onions, or sometimes local variations like pumpkin or chickpeas.

Tajikistan’s history is defined by its deep Persian roots, strategic position along ancient Silk Road trade networks, and mountainous geography. Unlike its Turkic-speaking neighbors, modern Tajiks speak an Eastern Iranian language, placing their heritage squarely within the greater Persian world.

First Persian Empires: The region was incorporated into the Achaemenid Empire around 500 BC, followed by the conquests of Alexander the Great and subsequent Greek and Kushan empires.

The Samanid Empire (819–999 AD): This era marked a golden age for science, literature, and the Persian language in Central Asia. The Samanids are celebrated as the cultural ancestors of the modern Tajik nation.

Mongol Era & Rule: Following Arab invasions that introduced Islam, the region was swept by Mongol invasions in the 13th century and subsequently controlled by various local Central Asian kingdoms.

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Being half Puerto Rican means carrying a vibrant, blended heritage. Whether your unique mix expresses itself through a love of Puerto Rican Culture traditions, or a deep connection to your roots, your identity combines multiple worlds. It is an ev

olving story of self-discovery, family ties, and cultural pride.

Navigating a mixed background is a deeply personal experience. Many individuals who are half Puerto Rican actively forge their cultural identity by exploring their family's history, listening to Latin music, or enjoying traditional dishes like arroz con gandules and mofongo.

For some, external perceptions may not always align with how they identify internally, which makes learning about the island's rich Taíno, African, and Spanish roots a rewarding way to connect with your ancestry. Embracing your heritage allows you to celebrate a unique, personal blend of who you are.

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My cultural identity, is Haitian American. My parents come from a country of beautiful landscape and valleys of the hidden treasures of knowledge, diverse people, and rustic towns. My parents walked up steep plateaus for water, laid in grassy plains for peace, and dive into the sea for cooling in Haiti’s humid heat. Although, I come from a culture of deep history, the first country to gain independence in the result of a successful slave rebellion, my parents knew the plague of suffering Haiti’s battle with will not recover through the poverty, unemployment, and illiteracy. As Haiti fought through its demons, my parents

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Colombia is a country best explored through the eyes and the palate, as every region boasts a unique landscape and a completely distinct flavor. If we begin our journey in the country's interior—amidst the cool highlands of Bogotá and Boyacá—we encounter magical spots like the Guatavita Lagoon, shrouded in Andean moorland mist, and the cobblestone streets of La Candelaria. To warm up in this climate, nothing beats a hearty ajiaco santafereño—thick with three types of potatoes, corn on the cob, and guascas—or sitting down to a sweet arepa boyacense stuffed with cheese, accompanied by hot chocolate with melted cheese inside and a generous serving of mute stew.

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My grandpa, Mike is from Puerto Rico, Some facts about him and his Puerto Rican culture are I learned are is that they have a much longer Christmas in Puerto Rico, lasting up to 45 days every year. Another interesting fact I learned about their culture is they make and eat special foods like Mofongo which is national dish, made of mashed green plantains seasoned heavily with garlic, butter, and pork cracklings. A few more facts about Puerto Rico are that although they are citizens, they cannot vote for president. Additionally, Puerto Rico is the climate there is warm, humid and sunny year around with tropical-like conditions.

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Venezuela is a country on the northern coast of South America with diverse natural attractions. Along its Caribbean coast lie tropical tourist islands, including Margarita Island and the Los Roques archipelago. To the northwest are the Andes mountain range and the colonial city of Mérida, a base for visiting Sierra Nevada National Park. Caracas, the capital, is located in the north.

Venezuela is home to the world's highest uninterrupted waterfall Angel Falls 979 meters and features the Catatumbo Lightning phenomenon which generates millions of flashes annually over Lake Maracaibo Additionally the country holds the largest oil reserve on the planet. Venezuela also stands out for its stunning natural wonders its immense wealth of resources, the unwavering warmth of its people and much more. Venezuela is also globally renowned for its monumental biodiversity, its profound passion for baseball, its historic contributions to chocolate production, and its record-breaking success in international beauty pageants.

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Colombia is a country with 32 departments and is one of the most biodiverse nations in the world. It boasts places like Caño Cristales—a river with stunning colors and crystal-clear water—and the walls of Cartagena, built in the late 16th century to protect the city from attacks and now a major tourist attraction. Colombia also offers beautiful experiences like "Playa Blanca," a beach with very light-colored sand and clear water.

The country is home to a multitude of cultures, resulting in a wide variety of cuisines, accents, and celebrations.

There are more than 10 accents in the country; the most well-known include costeño, paisa, and rolo.

As for food, some of the most famous dishes are bandeja paisa, salchipapas, and arepas.

Celebrations are also a highlight, with festivals widely observed across the country—such as the Barranquilla Carnival and the Blacks and Whites' Carnival, among others.

Colombia has produced many famous singers and songs.

Then there is the Colombian national team: every match is deeply felt, every goal is cheered at the top of one's lungs, and every player plays a vital role in the squad.

Players such as James Rodríguez, Lucho Díaz, Luis Suárez, Juan Cuadrado, and "El Pibe" Valderrama—among many others—have been hugely important and widely recognized throughout their careers.

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Jamaica is one hot island, they also grow tons of fruit.

In Jamaica, dancing is one way to express yourself, without the cussing too.

Dance Hall, and reggae is Jamaica's specialty.

Curry with the spices, next to the rice.

Drinks like, Rum and Sorrel.

Fights and clothes are one punch.

Dressing up, make sure you're well dressed up.

Jamaica has beautiful views, be careful and have such fun.

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An island country in the Caribbean Sea and is part Greater Antilles. It is located south of Cuba and west of Haiti. The capital city is Kingston, which, alongside being the capital, is also the largest city in the island.

Jamaica is known for its beautiful beaches, tropical climate, and a very compact cultural heritage. The island has a population of about 3 million people, and English is the official language, although Jamaican Patois is widely spoken.

The country gained independence from the United Kingdom on August 6, 1962. Jamaica has a democratic system of government and is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations.

Jamaica is famous worldwide for its music, especially reggae, which was popularized by Bob Marley. The island has also given birth to impressive athletics, producing world-class sprinters such as Usain Bolt.

Overall, Jamaica's contribution to the world is very wide and noticable, and it will continue to exist for many years.

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Cuba is the largest, wide island, within the Caribbean. There are over 11 million citizens, stretching 750 miles and has a very diverse population making it a melting pot. It is best known for its Spanish and African traditions such as its music and dancing. Cuba especially is widely known for having vintage cars and beautiful beaches, with its most popular beach being the Varadero beach. Not only is it popular for its vintage, but Cuba has a vibrant culture, colors like red, blue, and white show the political journey and hardships faced. When you visit you must try Ropa Vieja or beef stew, its taste will blow your socks off! Most importantly make sure that on this island you always have cash, you may get pulled over to a store from the smell of cooked beans, Cuba is not a card-friendly island!

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Ajla Hot 80C

I was born in America, my dad was the first to immigrate here.My dad wanted a better life so he came to America.It was hard for him to leave his family behind but he knew that they would reunite one day.My mom stayed behind as well,She had to look over her sick dad and her brother.My moms mom died when my mom was 16 from breast cancer.The rest of my family including my mom later came.

I have 2 older brothers so that makes me the only girl.I go to montenegro once every other year.Over there is not the same how it is here, There are dogs that don t have a place to stay walking around trying to get food,There are homeless women with their children begging people for money or food,There is a lot of mountains and farming is very common.My first time going over there I was 6 years old and I had a broken arm,I met my grandpa and uncle from my moms side that have stayed there,I met cousins that lived next door to me , I went on multiple hikes and I even met my grandmas grave and me ,my mom and uncle said a prayer.Houses are built based on last names so everyone knows everyone.On August 2-3 or ( Drugi Avgust) its International day of Remembrance of the Roma Genocide,there is always this huge party in multiple areas where families dance,eat and hike.There is another country wide party ,Statehood day is celebrated July 13th and is celebrated similiarly to International day of Remembrance of the Roma Genocide.It was very nice over there and I had amazing experiences

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My name is Ritaj . l am from YEMEN. People in my culture speak Arabic and English. My favorite color is Blue. My religion is lslam. l like NEW YORK CITY. my culture The people wear long dress calld abaya

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My family is originally from here and still is my mom is Guyanese but my dad is Dominican fun fact I was born in neither places idk just got bored for the fun fact anyways CYA

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I was born here but I am from Pakistan I didn't really know much of the language or anything including the traditions here but during pre-k I was able to learn English really quickly I have one little brother and one little sister it was really overwhelming at first but we got used to it.I soon became fluent in English by 2nd grade and tried very hard to get good grades but it was difficult.But I was able to get good grades after all my hard work and now I'm here now.That was my experience of america.

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This is the guyanes and dominican republic flag.I am a guyanes dominican person i was born i neither i was born in north carolina On november 5 i visited dominican republic for vacarion when i was 5 i think i dont remember alot from then but i remember going to the beach there with my auntie and the rest of my family.

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Bangladeshis cherish their independence. They are very hospitable, mingle well with others, and help one another.Bangladeshi food is incredibly delicious and flavorful; biryani, for instance, is a favorite dish. Bangladesh also produces very sweet and juicy summer fruits, such as mangoes, blackberries, jackfruit, and lychees.Bangladesh is home to the world's largest mangrove forest and the longest sea beach, and it is one of the largest deltas in the world.A wide variety of festivals are celebrated in Bangladesh. The country's principal cultural festival is Pahela Baishakh (the Bengali New Year), while people of various faiths observe their own distinct festivals—such as Hindu religious rites and indigenous festivals, alongside the two Eid celebrations observed by Muslims.

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My culture my heritage Uzbekistan     Shahnoza 60I

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My culture my heritage Uzbekistan     Shahnoza 60I

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My culture is very beautiful because of their beautiful nature and very kind peoples, by the way there beautiful parks places like Samarqand, Tashkent and every other city you can see beautiful places.

1. Food most popular food is osh palov and very tasty