Do you know what it feels like to live a totally different lifestyle than the people that may be around you? Some families practice different religions, have different traditions, and eat different foods that align to their culture. When she was only 4 years old Olivia Lawrence got to learn more about her own culture.

Her dad moved from Jamaica to the United States when he was 7 years old. As he got older he knew if he had kids he would want them to achieve great things and be proud of their culture.

“He’s always positively influencing me to be the best I can.” freshman, Olivia Lawrence said. “My dad is always pushing me to be successful in school. Any time I’m struggling my dad guides me through everything.”

Olivia’s mom and dad both grew up in different environments as they got older.

“My mom grew up in a more American lifestyle.” Olivia says. “The stores they went to and the clothes they wore were way different than where my dad was born. My dad grew up in an area with more Jamaican culture, and the food in clothing was all the same because it connected to their culture.”

Olivia’s dad’s parents wanted him to be prepared for the real world, so they started off at a young age teaching him.

“In Jamaica when I was born, my parents were strict and taught me to take care of important school things before playing around with friends.” her dad, Shawn Lawrence said. “They knew I would have to leave them and live on my own soon. I don’t know where I’d be right now without them pushing me to accomplish greatness.” 

As a part of Jamaican culture Olivia celebrates something called the Nine Nights ritual.

” This ritual is the celebration of death.”, Olivia says. “It’s when people gather together at the home of the person that passed and you celebrate them.”

One of her favorite things about being Jamaican is the food dishes her family makes.

“I love eating Ackee and saltfish on Thanksgiving with my dad’s side because they make it so good.” Olivia’s sister, Mia Ganes says. ” Eating Jamaican foods such as curried goat or goat’s head soup is one of our holiday favorites.”

It would be very beneficial for Jamaican culture to spread, so that more can learn more about it.

  “I think having other people see what’s a part of Jamaican culture would be really awesome.”, Olivia said. ” I also don’t know much about it, and if there were more people that know much more about Jamaican culture it would also help me to understand.”