My name is Alexandra (Ali) Fryer and I am the Adoption Promotion & Support Services supervisor in Lancaster at Imagine Village I. This December I will be at Penny Lane for 5 years!
Like many people I come from a mixed family. My mother was born in Old San Juan Puerto Rico. My maternal grandmother was indigenous to the island and my grandfather immigrated there from Spain. My mother migrated to the mainland United States as a teenager, moving around frequently, she ultimately settled down in Southern California where she met my father. While my father is not Puerto Rican, my familial culture is heavily based on Puerto Rican traditions, and I identify primarily as Puerto Rican. My dad, a white presenting man whose family originates from Europe and is indigenous to Mexico, is one of the many factors that adds to my feelings of displacement and the uncertainty of my cultural identity. Growing up in the Antelope Valley I was surrounding by other Hispanic and Latin American families and found myself gravitating to them and their experiences to better reflect how I felt “inside”. My maternal grandparents died when I was a child which cut most of my family’s connection with the island.
On weekend mornings I would wake up to the sound of the talk show “¡Despierta América!” playing on the television or Celia Cruz blasting from our sound system while my mom cleaned around the house. My father embraced my mother’s culture, speaking Spanish with us and my grandparents, making Puerto Rican food and visiting the island with us as when we were able. My favorite memories of Puerto Rico always include beautiful turquoise water of the warm Caribbean Sea and the street food; guava ice cream sold from carts on the sidewalks, Alcapurrias (a type of fritter made with yuca, or plantains filled with meat) and my favorite Puerto Rican dish, Mofongo. Mofongo is a dish made from fried mashed green plantains with spices and served with a meat of some kind.
Being in California with only my father’s side of the family has been a challenge, especially in my childhood. Growing up it was hard to understand that I was “of” so many places and people. I saw my friends return to their parent’s home country often, reuniting with cousins, grandparents and other family and I found myself longing for the same experience. When it was time to plan my Quinceanera, I felt more connected to my Puerto Rican heritage than I ever had before. Suddenly I was being contacted and visited by long forgotten titi’s, primo’s, and tio’s. Reuniting with people I had only ever met as a toddler or had never even met before. I was gifted a rosary from my maternal grandmothers favorite California Mission (Santa Barbara). I got to celebrate and be proud of all parts of my identity, with my friends there, family from my father’s and mother’s side uplifting and embracing a long-lasting transition that is anticipated by Latina girls and their families from the day they are born. It is still one of the most significant days of my life, so I have included a photo to share.
One of my favorite cultural traditions is the vast celebration of Dia De Los Reyes, more commonly known as Three Kings Day. For many Puerto Ricans the Christmas celebration continues until Three Kings Day (January 6th) where some people take the day off from work and school, celebrating with parades, music, meals, drinks and gifts. This a religious holiday that celebrates the arrival of the Three Wise Men to baby Jesus. Growing up I always left out a bowl of water and plate of grass for the camels that the Three Wise Men would be riding in on, like milk and cookies for Santa. Some Puerto Ricans see Dia De Los Reyes as a larger holiday than Christmas itself. My family and I would always leave our Christmas decorations up (and add some new) until then to continue the celebration. On the day of, we listen to music, eat the Rosca- a traditional sweet bread and receive gifts from the Wise Men. I find that even in adulthood no matter where I am living at the time, I make sure to put out my bowl of water and grass the night before and call my mom.
Penny Lane, being founded by Ivelise -a Puerto Rican herself, was a significant contributor to pursuing a career here. I have the joy of knowing there is so much of her and her culture that makes Penny Lane feel like home. It is comforting knowing that I am represented in such a large way, and I continue to feel welcomed by those who work here. I get to meet and interact with many other Puerto Ricans as well as people of all different cultures that enriches my experience at work and really shows the power of diversity. Our cultural diversity reflects those of the communities and clients we work with and makes the work that much more meaningful. Penny Lane has been an avenue that I have utilized to continue in my own growth and understanding of my cultural identity and the importance of that in others. It has been such a joy to experience my early adulthood at Penny Lane and I am excited to see how we continue to improve ourselves and support the communities we serve.
-Ali Fryer, Penny Lane Centers
Check out some more photos below!
