One concept that stood out to me this semester was culture. The textbook defines culture as "is the entire way of life of a group of people (including both material and nonmaterial elements) that acts as a lens through which one views the world and that is passed from one generation to the next." To me, culture is much more than just traditions or celebrations. It is values and customs that are passed down through generations over time. The reason I chose this concept is because it reminded me of my own family and how we have our own traditions and we continue to celebrate them together as our family grows, such as eating Rosca de Reyes. I took a picture because this is one of many of our traditions that help keep our culture alive, and they also strengthen our connection with each other. This picture was taken on January 6th of this year at my house while my family and I were cutting the Rosca de Reyes. In the picture, my uncle Gero, my cousin Miranda, and my cousin Leslie are cutting their pieces of the Rosca. Outside the frame, my parents and grandparents are waiting for their turn to cut a piece so we can enjoy it with our hot chocolate!

Another concept I connected with was socialization. The textbook defines socialization as "the lifelong process through which individuals learn and internalize the values, beliefs, norms, and behaviors of their culture or society in order to function as social beings." To me, socialization is the process of learning from the people and environments around us that help shape who we become. I chose this concept because my job has been an important part of my personal growth. Working as a server assistant has taught me how to communicate better with my servers, guests, and managers. It has also helped me become more responsible and patient.The first picture was taken on February 14th of this year at my house in my room before my shift started. Thispicture was taken before going in to work, which was going to be a very busy rush at work. We all knew it was going to be a busy day so we just made sure to look good feel good. The second picture was taken on July 22nd of this year at my job. In this picture, I am holding a tray because I was showing my manager that I can only carry trays with my left hand. I chose these pictures because they show how my job has helped me learn new skills and behaviors through my interactions with other people. Working with my servers, guests, and managers has helped me improve my communication skills and become more confident in my role. 

  My family immediately came to mind when I learned about primary groups. The textbook defines primary groups as “groups in which we are intimately associated with the other members, such as families and close friends.” To me, a primary group is the people I have contact with in my day-to-day life, who I have the closest relationships with, and who have helped shape the person I am today. this picture was taken on April 27, 2024, at a little park near my hometown in Mesquite. In the picture are my mom, dad, brother, sister, and me. We were taking pictures together for family pictures and spending time together. The people in this group represent a primary group for me because they support me and help me with anything I need. They motivate me to do better in life. My dad has influenced me to be a hard worker and to never give up, and my mom has taught me that she will always be there for me whenever I need her. She has taught me that it is okay to feel frustrated and overwhelmed because there is always light at the end of the tunnel. My parents and siblings have shaped my identity for the better. They have taught me how to love, be kind, work hard, and believe in myself.