Every summer we get an intern here at the Monogram Experience Center as a part of the GE intern program.  This year we decided to have our newest intern, Alexa Khazai, write this week’s blog post. It’s her last week here before going back for her senior year at the University of Kentucky and we appreciate all her hard work as well as the diversity she has experienced throughout her life.  We are so happy that she has continued the theme from last week about getting our families more involved in the kitchen and the dining room.  Thanks Alexa for a great summer and good luck on a bright future.

 

Remember When

 

Diversity is an adjective I frequently use to describe myself. I am culturally diverse; I have an American mother and Middle Eastern father. As the result of a culturally blended household I have grown up with different views and experiences as most people my age. At the age of 1 I was eating basmati rice, while most babies are eating Cheerios, and by kindergarten I was bringing kabobs, rice and hummus to school which was drastically different from my classmates Lunchables. While growing up my Maman June, my father’s mother, would come stay for 6-9 months at a time. One of my fondest memories of her visits was around the time I was in third grade; my sister and I were in the same classroom, 1-3 graders combined. My mom would pick us up from school at 3 pm and we would return home promptly at 3:20, upon entering the house we were consumed with the heavenly aroma of my grandmother’s freshly baked naan with her secret blend of spices. There is nothing I looked forward to more than coming home and having my bread fresh out of the oven topped with cream cheese and mint leaves. As our country progresses we make changes as a culturel and in family dynamics, but I feel there is a lack of importance and emphasis on home cooked meals and meals eaten together as a family. We need to put the focus back on family and setting aside time to be together, especially meals. Cooking is a great way to get everyone involved plus they will greatly appreciate the end result. Create memories in the kitchen, you are teaching your kids more than just a recipe.