Sultana High School is home to a diverse student body, each carrying a unique cultural background that shapes their identity. Many students come from families with rich histories, tracing their roots across the globe. Through interviews with three 11th-grade students and one of our faculty, insight into their ethnic identities, family histories, and the journeys that brought their families to America.
A European Heritage with Deep Roots
Jocelyn Gman comes from a rich European heritage, with Italian, English, and Scottish ancestry. Her family’s journey to the United States began when her grandmother immigrated from southern Italy to Los Angeles before eventually settling in Arizona. On her father’s side, her roots trace back to central Scotland. Although she is not aware of any particularly famous figures in her family, she knows that some distant ancestors were present during America’s founding.
While she has grown up in the U.S., her mother’s Italian influence has played a significant role in shaping her identity. Her father later moved to Hesperia to be with his wife, continuing the family’s story of migration and adaptation.
A Mexican-American Journey for a Better Life
On the other hand, Salzer, an English teacher at Sultana, is a Mexican-American. Born in the United States, he shared that his father immigrated as a baby, while his mother’s side of the family was already established in the country. His grandparents moved in search of better opportunities, leaving behind a difficult life in Mexico. His paternal grandfather, once a police officer in Mexico, later became a truck driver in the U.S., reflecting the family’s pursuit of the American Dream.
Growing up in Los Angeles, Salzer was surrounded by Hispanic culture. He later moved to Hesperia due to financial opportunities, as housing costs in Los Angeles became increasingly expensive. While he hasn’t explored his ancestry in-depth, family stories suggest there may even be some Japanese heritage on his mother’s side.
A Punjabi Legacy Rooted in Tradition
Manmeet Kuar’s ethnicity is Punjabi, with both parents originally from Punjab, India. the family’s journey to America began with a grandfather who loved to travel. After exploring many countries, he decided to settle in the U.S., eventually bringing over his wife, children, and grandchildren. Both parents were born in Punjab, India—her mother arrived in the U.S. at a young age, while her father joined the family years later.
While life in America offers new opportunities, the family still holds deep ties to their Indian culture. Her father, having spent three decades in India, misses the vibrant celebrations and traditions that are difficult to replicate in the U.S. Holidays like Holi, known for its colorful festivities, are hard to celebrate fully in areas with a smaller Punjabi and Sikh community.
A Filipino-American Story of Sacrifice and Resilience
Jana Pareja comes from a Filipino background, with both sides of her family originating from different regions of the Philippines. Her parents moved to the U.S. and built their lives here. Unlike some of the other students, Jana’s family does not discuss their ancestry in depth. However, she has heard that her grandfather might have Spanish and German roots.
While she doesn’t know much about her family’s distant past, there are hints of Spanish and German ancestry on her mother’s side. Despite the hardships, both parents eventually became U.S. citizens, solidifying their place in a new country while maintaining ties to their cultural roots.
A Mosaic of Cultures at Sultana High
The stories shared by these students reflect the broader diversity at Sultana High School. Each family’s journey is unique, and some are driven by the search for better opportunities, others by a sense of adventure or a desire to stay connected to their cultural roots.
This blend of backgrounds enriches the school community, offering students the opportunity to learn from one another and appreciate the experiences that shape their peers. By exploring these personal histories, we gain a deeper understanding of how heritage and identity continue to influence the lives of students today.
