Branch 93
(June, 2009)

I am 23 years old and I am a proud American of Hungarian descent. My Hungarian heritage has always been an important part of my life. My grandparents left everything behind in Hungary and risked their lives seeking to regain their freedom from Communism by coming to America. When I was little, I worked in the garden alongside my Nagymama and Nagypapa cultivating Hungarian paprika, which was used in their native dishes. I later helped Nagymama and learned to cook these dishes, my favorite being “Chicken Paprikas.” My grandparents and my father were eager to share their culture and heritage.  Our family donated a large Hungarian flag to my grammar school for their Olympic Day to celebrate my heritage with everyone. During Girl Scouts, my troop represented Hungary for international night. Everyone dressed in Hungarian costumes and learned and sang a Hungarian song, “Lánc, Lánc Eszter Lánc.” I was so proud! My grandfather, Arpad Bogdany, Sr., was very involved in the Hungarian church with the “food and cake sale,” and cultural events and helped bring about the statue in Passaic Park commemorating the Hungarian Revolution. I have been to Hungarian church picnics and have seen the Hungarian folk dancers and visited the memorial statue. Now that my grandparents have passed away, their three children continue to carry on the traditions that were passed down. I am next in line to carry on my family heritage and traditions and with a good upbringing behind me, I proudly and eagerly plan to do this. I graduated from Wilkes University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and have been accepted into the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ). My goal is to complete the three years of study and earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. As a Physical Therapist, I hope to specialize in pediatric or orthopedic care. After a number of years of experience, my long-term career goal is to become a director of a Physical Therapy clinic and eventually open my own practice.

Presently, I am working two jobs, six days a week, trying to help save up for graduate school. I work as a full-time physical therapy technician through which I hope to gain exposure and experience in the field of physical therapy. I also work part-time as a waitress, a job I will keep through my years at UMDNJ for basic expenses, especially since this DPT program runs through the summers.

I was raised with a strong foundation in family values, a deep faith, and a hard work ethic. These values and faith have made me realize that serving others brings joy and satisfaction not only to those served, but to my life as well. I have always been involved in community service and have received numerous awards for my volunteerism. I can help so many people in need working as a Physical Therapist, and by serving others, my life will be fuller and more meaningful. I would like to thank the Hungarian Reformed Federation of America for helping me further my education.

Christina was recommended by Ilona Toth, Branch 93 Manager