Gabriel Gjyla

Writing in the Social Sciences

CCNY

Professor von Uhl

2/7/2018

Box 1 Exercise Assignment

Throughout my life thus far, I have experienced many cultures and subcultures that have affected my understanding of the world and where I fit in. The people that have had a significant impact of my life helped me to determine who I am and who I will become in the future. I belong to the group of Albanians, people that originate from the country of Albania located in south-eastern Europe.  Being Albanian, I have tremendous pride for my country and culture, always willing to share all about it when I meet non-Albanians. The most core values of Albanians are family, trust, and patriotism.  There is a word in the Albanian culture called besa, which means faith and is the national word of honor. This is the word upon which Albanians live on, especially being helpful to less fortunate people. By giving my besa, I am giving you my word that I will help and assist you in the times you need me to. Family is the most important concept of Albanian life. The oldest child, preferably a male, is looked upon as the one to lead the family legacy forward, which is why I am expected to make sure the legacy of the family name is kept intact and in good views. Throughout Albania’s history, there was a dictator Enver Hoxha, who shaped Albanian culture in ways that have influenced it today. That is why divorce is seen as bad in Albanian culture, because that disrupts the family and family is the most important thing. An important thing to add is the value of soccer. Although Albanians play various sports, soccer is the forefront of being an Albanian for young boys. It is as if a boy doesn’t dream of being a soccer player, then he won’t have many friends to talk to. Although that sounds ironically tough, it’s important to note that most of the boys do love soccer. My favorite soccer club is Real Madrid and I always argue with my cousin, whose favorite team is FC Barcelona, over whose club is better. The national celebrations are huge, with the Albanian Independence Day being on November 28. Celebrations are viewed in all Albanian communities, which are celebrated worldwide because of the Albanian Diaspora being in numerous countries around the world.  As I continue my higher education at CCNY, I will attempt to use my Albanian culture into my assignments, showing my happiness and joy as to why I’m proud to be an Albanian!