Culture as we know it

How can a person choose the aspects of a culture that they like and want to keep and how do we keep them in our family throughout the generations to come without perpetuating the bad ones? That is a tough question. I want to focus on that question as I talk a little bit about Tammy and her family (I have a link below that explains her story/situation) and how she and her family can relate to each one our families. Tammy struggles with finances, being able to provide for her kids, struggles to set an example for her children and lacks the time and education to parent them and be there to support them. I think the question above can seem simple to some looking at certain situations. We just simply choose the things we like and put them in our lives; but what if we can't help ourselves? What if we do not know about the resources that are available to us to get us out of a certain situation? Here are just a few things that could have helped Tammy and her family an can also help each of us "escape poverty" or become a little better in our lives. The first thing to figure out would be to know how to access your resources. Knowing what aid is available to you and knowing how to use it in your life not just to support you but to become more self-sufficient. Education can be one of those resources. There may be other resources needed to get you to this step such as funding and time but there are ways. Education can help everyone in so many ways: help to get a better job, be able to make more money and provide for your family, allow you to gain knowledge and connections with people you would not have to help you otherwise. Having a religion can also help you be more consistency and teach you good habits that will help you be more responsible and willing to try harder or try in a different way. There have been studies done about waiting to have kids until you are married and how that can help you escape poverty. Finishing high school is another step closer to gaining a better education so you can change your future and the future of your family. That simple influence can change a child's life. Getting a full-time job can also teach you so much about who you really are and show you and others how dedicated you are and how willing you are to work hard for the things you need and love. So to answer the question above, you first need to figure out what you want in life. You need to evaluate your effort and figure out where they are being spent and maybe change some things so that your priorities can have a chance. I think as an individual focuses on bettering their life it will naturally set an example for others around them to not only reach their own goals but use you as a resource for help. It is easier said than done from my own experience but it is possible. It is worth the sacrifices at the moment to have a better life in the long run for myself and my future children. It is easy to lean toward what we are familiar with but do not be afraid to break the chain, to step out of your comfort zone and take a risk. I know for me I want to change my culture in some ways. They may not seem huge to some people but I know that those small changes will change me and change the future of my children. Change your culture. Choose your culture.

Tammys Story- People Like Us Episode #4