RUNNING HEAD: Cultural Biography Artifact 1

Cultural Biography Artifact

Dara Marquez

College of Southern Nevada

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Cultural Biography of Dara Marquez

My full given name is Dara Elizabeth Nickas. My full, current, and married name is

Dara Elizabeth Marquez. My mother named me Dara because in Hebrew it means

“compassion”. I generally tell people that it is like saying “dare” because many people

mispronounce it. Through exploring my culture and microcultures, I have gained awareness that

everyone has a unique culture. I appreciate the culture and microcultures from which I came,

and strive to utilize them in composing myself.

Ancestry

I am always proud to say that I am part Greek even though I am only one-fourth Greek.

My father is half Greek. His father was full Greek and married to an American. My father also

married an American, thus giving me my one-fourth Greek status! My mother is mostly of

English and German descent. As a child, I remember always having an Easter tradition from my

father’s Greek culture where you crack Easter eggs together. It is something that I now do with

my own children. Also, I have οικογένεια tattooed across my upper arm. It is the Greek word

for “family”. I feel that while it is only a small part of my overall ancestry, I am stronger for

embracing and recognizing it. My husband is half Hispanic, and we try to raise our children with

an awareness of their ancestry.

Family Structure

For most of my childhood, I had a nuclear family structure (Edwards, 2009). My parents

did get a divorce when I was 12 years old. However, by that time, I had many memories and

experiences in the nuclear family environment. Once my parents divorced, my family structure

became that of the co-custody family structure (Edwards, 2009). The custody schedule was that
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I lived with each parent for a week at a time. My parents lived close to one another which made

it easier if something was forgotten at the other’s house, for visiting friends, and for the commute

between homes. It became routine for me. I had certain suitcases for specific items, and knew to

plan ahead for the next week out when packing for the next house. Both parents re-married and

are still married to their second spouse. When I think about my parents I am glad for them

getting a divorce. Looking back on my entire life with them, I can literally see that they are

happier because of their divorce. I am grateful for my parents and wish them all the happiness in

the world.

Socio-Economic Status

According to Fry and Kochhar (2016), I grew up in a middle-income household. I

strongly agree with that. When I was growing up, my parents provided everything I needed. I

rarely even had to ask for or mention an item that I was in need of. My parents were very

mindful of me and involved in my life. Growing up my father worked two jobs, a full-time job

and a part-time job. My mother worked a full-time job. By the time I was in middle school, my

father was working only one full-time job. Both of my parents retired from their jobs as I grew

up (they had been promoted throughout the years). If I ever had things for school that were

needed (lab fees, etc.) or wanted (a yearbook, etc.) my parents covered the cost and allowed it. I

remember going on several trips (with church and school) growing up that they could pay for.

However, we did not often eat out at fancy restaurants or have extravagant things. We lived in a

nice home (homes after the divorce) – not small and not huge, and my parents kept the home in a

clean and organized state. I was expected to do my chores and be respectful of all homes

(including everything within the house).

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Religion

I was baptized as a non-denominational Christian. My family and I attended church

every Sunday morning. We would often stop at a restaurant for lunch after the service. My

parents placed me in a Christian private school from grades kindergarten to the fourth grade.

However, as I got older, I found myself wanting to be at church less and less. As a teenager, my

mother gave me an ultimatum. She stated that I could either attend church, or I would be given

sessions with a counselor (psychologist). I chose to go to church. I continued with that

arrangement until I began working right around age 16. As soon as I no longer had to go, I

stopped attending. For years, I did not attend church or participate in anything religious. I never

stopped believing in the religious background I had as a foundation, just did not do anything to

further my involvement in it. When I was 20, I once again had the desire to go to a church

service. My mother about cried with joy at hearing me say that! A week after attending my first

church service in over four years, I found out I was pregnant with my first child. I continued to

go for the first part of my pregnancy and once again stopped. After I had my second child, I

began going to service again. About one year later, I became pregnant with my third child.

Once my third child was six months old, I began going to church again and included my children

as well. Throughout these years, I now appreciate the religion and do consider myself a

Christian. I continue to take my children to church (them to their Sunday school and me to the

main service). While we do not make service every week, I hope to be giving my children the

same foundation of a belief system as I was given growing up that they can then build upon

throughout their own lives.

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Geographic Area (City, State)

I have called Las Vegas, Nevada home for my whole life. I was born and raised here. I

attended schools in Las Vegas for my entire educational career. I am also attending college here

in Las Vegas. Las Vegas is a part of me. So many people that I have talked to throughout the

years say that they came to Las Vegas with the intention of moving shortly after but have stayed

and lived here for five or more years. I find it has a way of sucking people in and putting

blinders on them. They blink, and five years have gone by. There are so many things that I

greatly enjoy about Las Vegas, and so many things that I loathe about it! My husband and I both

have family here along with my husband having a wonderful job. Many places (even other

states) are a sensible distance away. Sand Hallow is in Utah (about 2 ½ to 3 hours away), and

my husband and I can easily drive there with our three sons to let them swim and ride ATVs.

California is another destination that is easily visited. In contrast, I dislike the lack of family

value here in Sin City. I have found it rather challenging to find things to do with my children. I

find myself going to parks often or having my children spend time with our friends. While there

is nothing wrong with either of those, I do not like that there are so few family-oriented

activities. The casinos being a huge part of the state’s economy, leaves little room to down play

them. I am pleased that they are able to provide so many jobs, but I think it would be nice to

have fewer of them. In life, I have found that staying optimistic is the best thing you can do for

yourself. I always say that Las Vegas is not the best place to live but, it is not the worst place to

live either. I try very hard to remain positive and to see the good in things, and that is the

attitude I apply to living here!

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References

Edwards, J. O. (2009). The many kinds of family structures in our communities.

Retrieved from https://www.scoe.org/files/ccpc-family-structures.pdf

Fry, R., & Kochhar, R. (2016, May 11). Are you in the American middle class? Find out

with our income calculator. Retrieved from http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-

tank/2016/05/11/are-you-in-the-american-middle-class/