Niomi Olivares

 6 th Generation American with Belgian, Norwegian, Swedish, French, Menominee Indian and German roots.  2 nd Generation Japanese American

 My mother’s family was extremely family oriented as I grew up. My maternal grandparents were a large part of my life after my mother’s passing in  My grandmother made sure that all of our functions were attended by our extended family members.  We spent a lot of time at my grandparent’s house on weekends and during the summer.

 Most of my life growing up centered around my Japanese American roots. Family was important to my grandmother and we always spent holidays at one relative’s home or at our own.  I grew up in a middle class household with my father, step-mother, brother, sister, and half- brother. We were all close knit and looked out for each other. However, over the years we’ve grown apart and don’t really spend any time with each other anymore.

 My household currently consists of myself, my husband, and my three children.  Because of my upbringing I believe that my children should know their grandparents and extended family members as much as possible. My daughters spend time with their grandparents as much as possible to allow them to have the same experiences I had while growing up and giving them a strong bond with their grandparents.  I believe that getting to know your grandparents is the first steps in discovering your history.

Husband Ruperto and son Dante

Daughters Alyissa and Faith

 I live in an American Mexican household now. My husband is Mexican, so a lot of his beliefs and traditions are practiced in our household.  We celebrate Los Tres Reyes Magos(Three Kings Day) on January 6 th every year (otherwise known as Epiphany Day), Dia de los Ninos (day of the children) in April, and mother’s day is celebrated twice in our home once on May 10 th (Mexican tradition) and the on the traditional American date.

 We celebrate the traditional American holidays such as Christmas, Easter, Halloween, ect. as well.  My husband believes that all women should have a career of their own so is supportive of my education, I currently have two degrees one is Medical Office Specialist, the other is Medical Assistant. I am also a stay at home mom.  Sports and music are huge in our home. My children all participate in either a sport or music or both.

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 Education has always been big when my husband and I were growing up, so we continue to pass that on to our children.  Growing up we didn’t always have a lot of money and had to earn what we wanted, so I started working at an early age to be able to purchase the additional items I wanted but didn’t need. We instill these values into our children so that they learn to appreciate what they have rather than take money for granted.

 Growing up I was able to be a foreign exchange student and was able to see how other cultures live. I believe it was because of that experience that I was able to appreciate the values of other cultures and respect their beliefs. My grandmother adapted to the American culture 100% and didn’t really instill any of the Japanese culture into our upbringing, so my upbringing was shaped more around my Caucasian roots.

 I grew up in a Roman Catholic household and have retained those beliefs even though I no longer practice. My children are baptized, but do not attend catechism nor have they received the other sacraments to date.  My husband believes in Santa Muerte and has statues honoring her. My children are taught to respect both beliefs.

 I’m unsure what I am. I believe that every woman deserves to have a choice, but I don’t believe that abortion should be used as a form of birth control.  I do agree with abortion under specific circumstances such as:  Incest, rape, or if the mother/child’s life would be in danger during pregnancy or delivery.