Branch 227
(September, 2008)

As I look around me, I often wonder where these things called “family traditions” come from. Since a very young age I was informed that these traditions began with my Hungarian ancestors.
More recently, I found out that my great-grandfather, Balint Szabo, was a branch manager of the Hungarian Reformed Federation. His leadership was passed down to my grandmother, Elizabeth Szabo Nagy. She did not become the branch manager but an active member in the church and Hungarian community for more than 75 years. My mother, Barbara Nagy Sember, the daughter of Elizabeth, also took on the role of an active Hungarian member, in which she continues today along with my brothers and I. This family tradition links us all together, young and old, and represents a part of who we are, Hungarians.
Another family tradition that has been in the family for many years is the preparation of Hungarian dishes. I have had the privilege of assisting in the creation of these delicious meals. I have always had an interest in cooking since a very young age and I soon learned the “true Hungarian” way to make these dishes, but a meal is not complete without dessert. My favorite pastry to make would be kolach. Our family has grown accustomed to this dessert and we look forward to each time it is made.
A Hungarian family is not complete without the wonderful, yet hard to learn, language. I have been exposed to Hungarian language all of my life and I have learned the basics of this intricate language. Of course I had to learn it somehow if I ever wanted to talk to my grandfather, Joseph Nagy. He spoke fluent Hungarian to my mother and his wife and I always wanted to understand the language so I could communicate with them and show interest in continuing the heritage. I tried to learn as much as I could, and a great way to practice this knowledge would be to use it. For more than 30 years my mother and grandfather have sung Silent Night in Hungarian every Christmas Eve service, and recently my siblings and I have been incorporated into this tradition. We are able to honor the blessed holiday but also continue our family traditions.  It is these experiences of my life that has shaped me into the person I am today. I have grown to appreciate the times I have with my family and hope to continue these traditions in the future.
My family is a large part of my life, but another part that has become very important is my education. This fall I will be a junior Chemistry major at Hiram College with a minor in Biomedical Humanities. With this education I hope to pursue a career in pediatric medicine. Aside from my studies I have become more involved with extracurricular activities that Hiram has to offer. These activities include Student Senate, MEDICUS, Chemistry Club (secretary), Delta Chi Lambda (historian), Hiram College Student Ambassador, Key Club, and women’s Bible study. These organizations provide the opportunity to meet new people and be more involved on my campus. As a whole, these experiences come with expenses, and I am very grateful to receive this scholarship money in order to further my education. This money will help further my knowledge in the field of science to hopefully lead to a brighter future for many.

Maria was recommended by Branch Manager Marge Nicholas.