L'Italo-Americano

L'Italo-Americano THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2015 www.italoamericano.org 8 Miss Italia Califor nia: Her Role as Representative for Young Italian Americans G i u l i a n a R e g i n a f r o m Whittier may seem like the typi- cal young adult. She attends college with the hope to some- day go to law school, and aids her parents in their restaurant during her free time. However, Giuliana has a responsibility that only a few others share: r e p r e s e n t i n g y o u n g I t a l i a n American women in this year's Miss. Italia USA in New York, as Miss Italia California 2015. How do you promote and create an awareness of Italian heritage and culture? Once people hear that I hold the Miss Italia California title, they begin to inquire about how I came to achieve the title, and what it's like being full-blooded Italian. I think most people are too shy to ask where a person is from out of fear of offending someone and so I was never really asked "Where are you from?" unless it was from com- munity members my own age who I was beginning to build friendships with. With the title though I feel people are a little more open with their curiosity and are more comfortable ask- ing ethnicity-related questions. Beauty pageants are known for being great role models in t h e i r c o m m u n i t y . W h a t d o you consider to be your con- tribution to the LA communi- ty? I would have to say that my best contribution to the commu- nity, as of now, is being a stu- dent. That sounds a little strange but what I mean to say is that by continuing my education for a higher degree I can then enter t h e w o r k i n g c o m m u n i t y a n d help make changes that will be apt for the new generations of graduated scholars after me. Opinions and policy matters are constantly changing and as they change new, fresh, voices will need to be the leading forces behind them – and that is where this generation of graduating scholars will fall into place in a few years. Granted, it will be a g r a d u a l c h a n g e , b u t I t r u l y believe that it is my contribu- tion, as well as that of my uni- versity peers, to the County. CELINA LOZANO Your parents immigrated t o t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s f r o m Saracena, in the Province of Cosenza in Calabria, Italy. Is there anything you wish from Saracena to be in the LA com- munity? I have been blessed enough to have been able to visit the homeland many times, and each time I go I appreciate it more. M y f a v o r i t e p a r t o f t o w n i s known as l'acqua nova, similar t o w h a t w o u l d b e c a l l e d i n E n g l i s h a ' T o w n S q u a r e ' . That's where they have their f e s t i v a l s , a n d y o u c a n f i n d small gelato shops everywhere, little nooks to play pool or fus- ball, and hang out with your friends. The ambiance of the setting is what I wish I could bring back the most; everyone knows everyone and parents aren't afraid to let their kids be out with their friends because e v e r y o n e i s l o o k i n g o u t f o r each other. It's all one big fami- ly. W h a t a d v i c e w o u l d y o u g i v e t o y o u n g I t a l i a n Americans who are working t o w a r d s t h e i r d r e a m s a n d preserve their heritage and culture while embracing the customs of this Country? I would tell them not to be ashamed of their heritage. Don't be afraid to correct people about what real Italian dishes are or a b o u t a n e g a t i v e s t e r e o t y p e . And most definitely don't be ashamed to speak the language! I would say that you don't have to give up your Italian culture and heritage in order to work toward your dream – if any- thing, you should hold on tight t o i t b e c a u s e y o u c a n b r i n g something more to the table, you can bring a new perspective and viewpoint by being able to think and see through the lenses of two different cultures. And y o u d e f i n i t e l y d o n ' t n e e d t o give up your Italian culture to e m b r a c e t h e c u l t u r e o f t h i s Country: having both makes for more interesting conversations and fusions of dishes to try. W h a t d o e s t o r e p r e s e n t I t a l i a n A m e r i c a n s o f California in New York mean to you and where will you be competing with 50 other Miss Italia State titleholders? I'll admit it comes with quite a bit of pressure once it's put into perspective, but I wouldn't c h a n g e i t f o r t h e w o r l d . I t ' s exciting, and it means so much to me that I am the one who has been given the opportunity to r e p r e s e n t I t a l i a n - A m e r i c a n women in California, and young women in general, to show that there's more to pageants than the stereotypes make believe. It's also such a great opportuni- ty to showcase our beloved her- itage and remind people that there is more to Italians than what is portrayed by the media. I a l s o h o p e t o s e r v e a s a r e m i n d e r a n d i n s p i r a t i o n t o Italian-Americans not to forget their roots, their culture, and their language just so they can "fit-in". If someone does not w a n t t o a s s o c i a t e w i t h y o u because of your culture don't succumb to conformity and for- get who you are and the beauti- ful culture you come from so t h e y ' l l s t a y ; i t ' s t h e i r l o s s , they're the ones missing out on t h e h o m e m a d e m a c a r o n i a l p o m o d o r o f r e s c o . T h a t j u s t means, more for you! Giuliana Regina is Miss. Italia California

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