Culture encompasses the beliefs and behaviors of a particular ethnic or social group. “Mexican” culture mainly defines me. However, it has been influenced by the “American” culture I have been surrounded by extensively. Values define what is wrong or right within a group while norms are considered social rules and guidelines followed by this group as proper behavior. Having been born and raised in the border town of El Paso has taught me to appreciate both Mexican and American cultures in their similar and contrasting characteristics. Having Mexican roots, I was initially taught to speak Spanish. To the elders in my family, it is disrespectful to mix English with Spanish while speaking. It is referred to as “Spanglish,” like my uncle says. Although the majority of my relatives are bilingual, it is a norm to converse in one language only. The kitchen is probably the most important area of a Mexican household. Cooking brings families together during family reunions or special events and it is normally done by the female members. My mom would rather make us enchiladas as opposed to buying them because she conveys her care and affection through her cooking. It is common to place family above all else in the Mexican culture, and cooking reflects that to an extent. As children, my mother stayed home to care for my brother and myself while my dad worked. Consequently, we received much parental care and attention, which is not common in the American culture. As a member of the Mexican culture, I was raised to practice the Roman Catholic religion. Nearly all my relatives are Catholics and the elders emphasize the importance of following this religion. The American culture is also religious, yet it has a more liberal outlook towards religion. I met an American family that attended church every Sunday, but had no concern for the religion beyond that. In the Mexican