In case you hadn’t noticed, we are officially celebrating America’s 250th birthday this month … in so many ways. So, we thought it would be fun to pause and reflect on the personal journeys that helped shape our own neighborhood. 

 

Behind every family, every business, and every familiar face is a story — stories of purpose, opportunity, hope, and new beginnings. Some arrived here generations ago, while others came more recently in search of education, career opportunities, safety, or simply a better life for their families. Yet despite our different backgrounds and experiences, we all now share something in common: the opportunity to call America — and the local melting pot we call Seven Oaks — home. 

 

We invited a few of our neighbors to share their personal “American Story” in their own words, and their reflections are heartfelt reminders that the American Dream still means something deeply personal to each of us.

 

Your Journey - From what country did you come and what brought you (or your family) to the United States?

We moved to the states in 1984 from Cairo, Egypt. Our dad came here a year before that to help set up the move and then we followed him. In the mid 80s, being a Christian family in Egypt was a challenge and my parents wanted a better life and opportunity for all of us: my parents, me, my older sister, and my younger brother.

 

Your Roots - What traditions, food, or experiences from your culture are still part of your life today?

We are 100% Egyptian. My great, great grandfather was a farmer in the heart of Egypt, in a small village called Zagazig. My dad was born in that small village. Later my dad moved to Cairo to go to college and settled there and met our mother. I wish I can say that I have held on to the old traditions, but having moved here at a very young age, I kind of adopted the way of life in America. I still hold one tradition, and that one tradition is Egyptian food. I love the food because it will always remind me of home and my mom cooking in the kitchen. I am lucky to have an amazing wife who took on that challenge and had my mom teach her quite a few Egyptian dishes.

 

Can you share a moment when you thought, “This is home”?

I will never forget the moment when I realized that I am dreaming in English instead of Arabic. That was a confusing and mind-boggling point.

 

In one or two sentences: What does being “American” mean to you?

The United States is the best place to live and let live. The endless possibilities and opportunities are available to those who seek it.

 

 

 

Your Journey - From what country did you come and what brought you (or your family) to the United States?

I arrived in California when I was 8 years old from Durango, Mexico. My parents wanted a better life for my family.

 

Your Roots - What traditions, food, or experiences from your culture are still part of your life today?

I married into a Mexican family, and the holidays are always spent together eating menudo and tamales.

Can you share a moment when you thought, “This is home”?

Honestly, it was when my parents purchased our family home in El Monte, CA. We had an outhouse and dirt floors in Mexico. Indoor plumbing and carpeting were definitely a wonderful experience.

 

In one or two sentences: What does being “American” mean to you?

I’m very honored to be a citizen of this great country. So much so, I’ve been a loan officer for 30+ years helping others enjoy the American dream of home ownership.

 

 

 

I came from Brazil. My journey to the United States was shaped by a desire for growth, opportunity, and building a stable future for my family. It was about creating a life where I could expand my perspective, challenge myself, and give my children opportunities that blend the best of different worlds.

 

Your Roots - What traditions, food, or experiences from your culture are still part of your life today?

My culture is still very present in my daily life. Language is a big part of that. I speak Portuguese, and it’s something we intentionally keep alive, especially with our kids. Food is another strong anchor; simple things like rice & beans and homemade familiar Brazilian flavors bring a sense of comfort and connection. Beyond that, it’s the way I approach family, warmth, and relationships. There’s a strong value in closeness, resilience, care for others, and adaptability.

 

Can you share a moment when you thought, “This is home”?

I don't think it happened with a single big milestone. It happened quietly, over time. It's through watching my children growing up here, forming their own sense of self and sense of belonging. Witnessing myself creating stability and routines. It’s in the everyday moments as we are building our lives here, planning for the future, and little by little feeling like I’m not just adapting anymore, but actually living, thriving and belonging.

 

In one or two sentences: What does being “American” mean to you?

In a way, I’ve always been "American" just from South America, and now it simply feels broader. Being “American” to me means bringing together different worlds without losing who you are. Many of the "Americans" in my community (including my kids) grow up with a broader understanding of the world, shaped by the stories and cultures of their families. So, it's that blending of roots, journeys, perspectives, and possibilities that being American means to me.

 

Your Journey - From what country did you come and what brought you (or your family) to the United States?

My father first arrived as the son of the first South Korean Consul to Los Angeles after the Korean War. They later permanently immigrated to the Unites States. I myself was also born overseas in Japan when my dad was stationed there. My wife is a third/fourth generation Chinese American from the Bay Area.

 

Your Roots - What traditions, food, or experiences from your culture are still part of your life today?

We are both avid consumers of Korean BBQ and K-drama. Our family is heavily involved in the sharing of our Korean culture and heritage believing that it will help foster a bridge of understanding and appreciation amongst the great diversity here in the United States. Our Korean and Asian art collection has been exhibited and donated to places such as the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Smithsonian, the University of Hawaii, and Cambridge University. Did I already mention Korean food?

 

Can you share a moment when you thought, “This is home”?

I grew up all over the world following my father on his assignments as part of the US government, not returning to the states until I was in middle school. Many years later raising my hand for my oath for commission, I knew this was worth fighting for, defending. I knew this was my home.

 

In one or two sentences: What does being “American” mean to you?

Being an American means being given the opportunities and freedom to become the person I dreamt I could be. Being an American means I will fight so others will have those opportunities as well.

 

 

 

Your Journey - From what country did you come and what brought you (or your family) to the United States?

We moved to US in 2018, when I got accepted at USC for a 2-year international dentist program in order to receive my DDS degree and license to practice in the states. My husband completed a similar program in 2021 from CU Denver. A job opportunity at a federally qualified dental clinic brought us to Bakersfield in 2021. Currently we both work as associates at a private group practice and are parents to a charming 13-month-old baby boy.

 

Your Roots - What traditions, food, or experiences from your culture are still part of your life today?

I would say we opted to settle in California due to its cultural diversity and acceptance. Being from India, Bakersfield has always felt like home due its similar weather and the huge Punjabi population. We love to visit one of the 6 gurdwaras (Sikh temples) on weekends for prayer and free community kitchen services called Langar. Getting together over food is a big part of our culture and having Indian restaurants in the neighborhood is a big plus.

 

Can you share a moment when you thought, “This is home”?

I wouldn’t say there was a moment, but rather it was a culmination of many factors. The most important being the great community full of diversity and the friendly nature of people in general. Another reason was the housing affordability while being just 2 hours away from LA and our favorite beaches.

 

In one or two sentences: What does being “American” mean to you?

“Being American“ means an opportunity to be anything you want to be, with a right attitude, grit and determination. “American” means freedom from inequality, nepotism and corruption.

 

 

 

Eloise’s family journey began in the Philippines, where her parents immigrated from with the hope of building a better life and creating more opportunities for their family. Like many immigrant families, they came to America with courage, sacrifice, and hope for a brighter future. Louis’s family journey began in post-war Vietnam during the Fall of Saigon. His father served in the Navy and was given the opportunity to escape Vietnam and come to America for freedom, safety, and a better life. Leaving Vietnam meant leaving behind family, home, culture, and everything familiar, but it also gave his family a chance to start over. 

 

When Louis’s parents arrived in the United States, they had very little money and spoke very minimal English. They faced the challenges of learning a new language, finding work, and adjusting to a completely different country. Even with those struggles, they kept pushing forward because they wanted their children to have opportunities they never had. 

 

Our journey is rooted in the sacrifices of our parents. Eloise’s parents and Louis’s parents came from different countries, but they shared the same dream: to build a better future for their family. Their courage and resilience continue to shape who we are today.

 

Your Roots - What traditions, food, or experiences from your culture are still part of your life today?

We love showing our Vietnamese culture through food and traditions that are still a big part of our lives today. Some of our favorite memories come from home-cooked meals, especially dishes like pho, which brings family together and reminds us of our roots. We also love celebrating Lunar New Year by wearing traditional Vietnamese outfits, spending time with family, giving blessings, and handing out money in red envelopes. These traditions help us stay connected to our culture while also passing them down to our children.

 

Can you share a moment when you thought, “This is home”?

We knew America was home when we realized we were living the American dream that our parents worked so hard to build for us. From having a roof over our heads, being able to attend school, and graduating from college without major barriers, we saw how much opportunity this country gave us. Louis’s parents would share stories about life during the Vietnam War and how public education was not available the way it is here, and only those with money had better chances to attend school. Hearing those stories really opened our eyes and made us appreciate the opportunities we have as first-generation Asian Americans. Our parents’ sacrifices gave us a future, and that is when we truly understood that this was home.

 

In one or two sentences: What does being “American” mean to you?

Being American means having the freedom and opportunity to build a better life while still honoring where our family came from. To us, it means living the dream our parents sacrificed for, giving our children opportunities, and being proud first-generation Asian Americans who carry both our culture and American values with us.