Fraternity-Testvériség, 2011 (89. évfolyam, 1. szám)
2011-01-01 / 1. szám
Mark D. Sember — Branch 227 Spring 2011 E ven though I am proud of the many cultures that make up my heritage, the one that stands out the most is Hungarian. Ever since I can remember, the intricate culture has surrounded me in so many ways. In my second grade classroom, I was required to bring in something for “show and tell,” so who better to bring along than my Hungarian mother who was fluent in the language? She brought in little handmade dolls and clothes and even wore a white blouse with unique designs, leaving my classmates wanting to know more. That was just the beginning of the many things I was about to learn growing up. If I were to understand anything my grandfather, Joseph Nagy, had to say, I needed to bolster my Hungarian vocabulary. He would teach me whatever my young mind could process, and my mother and grandmother would follow up with a review session. My grandfather also would tell me stories of his life in Budapest and how he was most proud of being of Hungarian descent. He also aided me and my siblings in the singing of “Silent Night” or “Csendes Ej,” still a tradition my family and I sing in Hungarian every year at the annual Christmas Eve service. Even though my grandparents are not with me anymore, the heritage lives and grows inside of me. Every growing man loves to eat, so I can never forget the dishes I enjoyed so very much. My grandmother, Elizabeth Szabó Nagy, daughter of my great grandfather, Balint Szabó who was a Branch Manager, made the most delicious dishes and pastries. To this day, I still love eating Rakott Krumpli, something my mother learned to make from my grandmother. And I always eagerly wait for the baking of one of my favorite pastries, poppy seed kolach. These are truly some of my favorite things. Whether it is the hearty Hungarian cooking from my grandmother or the many stories and teachings from my grandfather, the culture will always remain part of me and what I do. My mother continues to teach me more about my ancestry through memories and photos, and each day, I become more proud of who I am. The lessons I have learned will remain with me forever, and I vow to teach my children the Hungarian culture that has played a crucial role in my upbringing. With my heritage as a strong building block in my life, my education coexists with it. After this spring semester, I will have completed my sophomore year at Youngstown State University. I am majoring in Criminal Justice and may decide on a minor in History. This fall I plan to live on campus and become more involved in student organizations, further pursuing my love of interacting with people. After I obtain my degree, I will either attend the Police Academy or apply for a federal law enforcement internship. My ultimate goal is to become a local law enforcement officer to gain experience and then apply for a job with the Federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). I decided to go into this profession to ensure stability and safety for our country and communities, and I know this scholarship will help make that goal a reality. As a fourth generation Hungarian Reformed Federation member, I am most blessed with everything this heritage has taught me and given me, and I am truly grateful for the recommendation from Marge Nicholas for this scholarship. Recommended by Mrs. Margaret Nicholas, Branch Manager Matthew John Balias — Branch 52 am 23 years old and currently a senior at Eastern Michigan University. 1 am in the process of completing my Bachelor’s degree in Applied Technology and Mechanical Engineering. I take my schooling very seriously as I work hard to complete the rest of my senior year. I have already received an Associate in Applied Science: Energy Technology, and an Associate in Applied Science Multi-skilled Facility Maintenance Technician from Henry Ford Community College. Along with those completed Associates, I have received a variety of certifications. I am honored to be a part of the Hungarian Reformed Federation and very proud to be a part of the Hungarian culture. I am truly blessed and grateful to the Hungarian Reformed Federation for the financial aid as I work hard to complete my Bachelor’s degree. I would like to especially thank my wonderful and humbled grandparents, Rev. and Mrs. Lorincz. Without them and the help of my parents, I don’t know where I would be. In closing, I would like to thank Mrs. Katalin Varga, the Branch Manager of Branch 35. With the strength of God, and with the love and support from my family and church, I am truly blessed as I complete my educational goal. Recommended by Mrs. Katalin Varga, Branch Manager 32
