The Bridge
8 Ways Students Can Build a Cultural Identity
Days spent in the classroom are often centered around language, reading, math, science and other traditional curriculum, but there’s another key subject students may learn about without even realizing it: themselves.
Last Updated on June 28, 2024 by Daily News Staff
Cultural Identity
(Family Features) Days spent in the classroom are often centered around language, reading, math, science and other traditional curriculum, but there’s another key subject students may learn about without even realizing it: themselves. While coming to understand one’s family background and culture may seem like a daunting task for school-aged children, it can actually be a simple (and fun) opportunity for discovery.
LaRayne Woster is the Native American Studies Lead and Cultural Specialist at St. Joseph’s Indian School, a small nonprofit Native American school making a difference in preserving the culture and heritage of its students. As a cultural specialist, Woster developed a unique project with her students, helping them discover who they are and where they came from.
By developing fun and informative activities like learning their creation story; learning traditional arts, crafts and dances; making a traditional meal; and understanding religious traditions, she challenged her students to connect with their ancestry.
While this activity focused on Native American children, Woster recommends parents and teachers use this exercise and share ideas to help any child connect with his or her own heritage, from Hispanic and African cultures to French, Irish and beyond. Schools like St. Joseph’s provide an environment ideal for students to make those connections as the school is dedicated to improving the quality of life for children and families with a mission to educate mind, body, heart and spirit.
Consider these ways you can promote cultural connections.
- Bond with Someone Who Knows the Culture. One of the easiest ways students can introduce themselves to their own history is by talking with relatives, friends or neighbors who can share wisdom and knowledge. These mentors can provide direction and educational opportunities while taking part in games, dances, storytelling and other cultural traditions.
- Learn a Traditional Game and Share It. Throughout history, people of all cultures played games and took part in activities to spark creative freedom and break free from everyday stressors. Learning and participating in one of these games offers children a fun, hands-on way to connect with their heritage.
- Cook Traditional Foods. While family reunions and holidays are often filled with your loved ones’ favorite meals, the foods of your ancestors may differ dramatically from today’s classics. Connecting with the past can be as easy as researching recipes, heading to the store for a few ingredients and spending cherished moments together in the kitchen.
- Do a Traditional Dance. Folk dances from around the world have been passed down from generation to generation. Native American grass dances, Lakota dances and rain dances are popular examples that offer lively, entertaining ways to connect with the past.
- Study Oral Traditions and Learn to Tell the Stories. Whether your culture dates back hundreds of years or thousands, there are tales to be told. Learn some of your ancestors’ most influential stories from creation and ancient history to modern folktales and retell them to friends and family.
- Read the Works of Early Authors. Studying your culture’s most well-known authors, fiction or non-fiction, can give you a glimpse into the past. Even fictional works provide a gateway to the thinking, traditions, beliefs and more of those who came before you.
- Learn the Traditional Language. For students whose ancestors spoke a different language or communicated in a different manner than people today, studying that language provides a direct connection to the culture. In fact, learning the language can be an exciting experience to communicate with an elder in your community who speaks fluently.
- Come to Know and Respect Your Family. While history and its traditions may seem long, long ago, your closest possible connections to that past are the loved ones you see every day.Bonding over your newfound knowledge of your shared heritage is a profound opportunity to grow closer, connect with your background and celebrate those who came before you.
Visit stjo.org to find more fun, student-friendly ways to discover and preserve the past.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images (family cooking)
Photo courtesy of St. Joseph’s Indian School (woman dressing child in traditional feathers)
SOURCE:
St. Joseph’s Indian School
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LOS ANGELES — Century Boulevard is one of the most recognizable east–west corridors in South Los Angeles, stretching from Watts to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). But despite its grand-sounding name, the origin of “Century” is surprisingly simple—and rooted in math.
The Meaning Behind “Century”
Century Boulevard sits roughly 100 blocks south of downtown Los Angeles, where the city’s street numbering system begins at 1st Street and Main Street. Instead of naming the road “100th Street,” city planners opted for a more distinctive and memorable name: Century Boulevard.
In this case, “Century” literally means 100.
Part of Los Angeles’ Grid System
Los Angeles was designed using a grid-based street layout, especially in its expanding southern neighborhoods during the early 20th century. Streets were often named or numbered based on their distance from downtown.
Century Boulevard aligns with what would have been the 100th Street corridor—making it a key reference point in the city’s geography.
A Street That Evolved Over Time
Before it became Century Boulevard, portions of the roadway were known by other names, including Pine Avenue and San Antonio Street. As the region developed and expanded, these segments were unified under a single name in the 1920s.
This consolidation helped streamline navigation and supported growing transportation needs.
From Local Road to Global Gateway
The importance of Century Boulevard grew significantly with the rise of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Today, it serves as a major gateway for millions of travelers entering the city.
The road connects diverse communities—from historic neighborhoods in South Los Angeles to the bustling airport corridor—making it both a local lifeline and an international entry point.
More Than Just a Name
Century Boulevard reflects a broader pattern in Los Angeles street naming:
- Some streets honor historical figures
- Others reflect geography or culture
- And some, like Century, are rooted in the city’s structured grid system
It’s a reminder that even the most ordinary street names can reveal deeper stories about how a city was built.
The Bottom Line
Century Boulevard isn’t named after an event—it’s named for its location. Positioned at the 100th Street line, it represents both the logic of Los Angeles’ design and the growth of the city over time.
Now you know.
Related External Links
- Century Boulevard – Overview and History
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) – Official Website
- Los Angeles City Planning Department
- Los Angeles Public Library: The Story Behind LA Street Names
- LA Metro – Transportation System Information
- Calisphere – Historical Images and Maps of Los Angeles
Dive into “The Knowledge,” where curiosity meets clarity. This playlist, in collaboration with STMDailyNews.com, is designed for viewers who value historical accuracy and insightful learning. Our short videos, ranging from 30 seconds to a minute and a half, make complex subjects easy to grasp in no time. Covering everything from historical events to contemporary processes and entertainment, “The Knowledge” bridges the past with the present. In a world where information is abundant yet often misused, our series aims to guide you through the noise, preserving vital knowledge and truths that shape our lives today. Perfect for curious minds eager to discover the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of everything around us. Subscribe and join in as we explore the facts that matter. https://stmdailynews.com/the-knowledge/
Feeding America is marking National Agriculture Day by recognizing farmers, ranchers, and producers as key partners in the fight against hunger.
In a March 24 press release, the organization said the agricultural community plays a vital role in helping food banks and pantries deliver fresh, nutritious food to families across the country. Feeding America noted that produce, dairy, and protein are among the most requested foods by neighbors facing hunger and make up half of all food distributed through its network.
The organization said that in 2025, its network worked with growers to rescue 971 million pounds of fresh produce, helping redirect surplus food to communities in need. Feeding America also pointed to federal nutrition and farm support programs, saying government purchases from U.S. growers provide more than 20% of the food distributed through its network.
Ami McReynolds, Feeding America’s chief advocacy and community partnerships officer, said supporting farmers is directly connected to helping families access healthy meals. The organization is also urging Congress to support additional farm aid and a Farm Bill that strengthens nutrition programs.
Feeding America said a recent poll found that 95% of voters view hunger as a nonpartisan issue, reinforcing support for collaborative solutions between agriculture, food banks, and policymakers.
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The Bridge is a section of the STM Daily News Blog meant for diversity, offering real news stories about bona fide community efforts to perpetuate a greater good. The purpose of The Bridge is to connect the divides that separate us, fostering understanding and empathy among different groups. By highlighting positive initiatives and inspirational actions, The Bridge aims to create a sense of unity and shared purpose. This section brings to light stories of individuals and organizations working tirelessly to promote inclusivity, equality, and mutual respect. Through these narratives, readers are encouraged to appreciate the richness of diverse perspectives and to participate actively in building stronger, more cohesive communities.
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McDonald’s First Job Confessional Turns Career Stories Into Free Meal Opportunity
McDonald’s is launching First Job Confessional, a campaign inviting fans to share first job stories for a chance to receive a $15 gift card in select cities.
First Job Confessional
McDonald’s is putting first jobs in the spotlight with a new campaign that asks fans to share the real-world skills they gained early in their working lives. Launched on National Employee Appreciation Day, the brand’s First Job Confessional invites people to reflect on how those first roles helped shape their careers — and, in some cases, earn a free meal in the process.
The campaign is built around a simple idea: first jobs often teach lasting skills that deserve more recognition. Whether someone learned problem-solving while babysitting, communication during a lunch rush, or teamwork behind a counter, McDonald’s is framing those experiences as valuable career foundations. The company says those are the same kinds of skills employers continue to prioritize as workplace demands evolve.
How the First Job Confessional Works
In select cities, McDonald’s is setting up confessional booths designed to look like ordering kiosks. But instead of placing a meal order, participants can record a story about their first job and the skills they picked up along the way. Those who take part in person will have the opportunity to receive a $15 McDonald’s gift card, while supplies last.
Fans who cannot attend in person can still join online by posting their stories using #FirstJobConfessional. McDonald’s says selected videos may also be featured on its YouTube channel, extending the campaign beyond the live events.
External Related Links
- McDonald’s corporate article: McDonald’s is Asking Fans to Get Real About Their First Job Skills in Exchange for Free Meals
- McDonald’s 1 in 8: First Job Confessional
- McDonald’s 1 in 8 home page
- Marketing Dive coverage of the campaign
- Parade coverage of the First Job Confessional tour
Source Links
- Original PRNewswire press release from McDonald’s USA, LLC
- McDonald’s official corporate story
- McDonald’s 1 in 8 First Job Confessional page
- McDonald’s 1 in 8 official website
The Bridge is a section of the STM Daily News Blog meant for diversity, offering real news stories about bona fide community efforts to perpetuate a greater good. The purpose of The Bridge is to connect the divides that separate us, fostering understanding and empathy among different groups. By highlighting positive initiatives and inspirational actions, The Bridge aims to create a sense of unity and shared purpose. This section brings to light stories of individuals and organizations working tirelessly to promote inclusivity, equality, and mutual respect. Through these narratives, readers are encouraged to appreciate the richness of diverse perspectives and to participate actively in building stronger, more cohesive communities.
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