2022 Scholarship Recipient
Anna Scandalios
My Family’s History on Kythera
I may be biased because of my maternal side’s connection to the island, but I firmly believe that Kythera is the most beautiful Greek island. The densely green island and the deep blue that surrounds it have become a second home to me. I have found a deep connection to my heritage visiting the island three times and spending a whole summer there. Not only have I learned about my family heritage through stories, but also by visiting relatives on the island. In 1906, my great great-grandfather, Ioannis (John) Alfieris was a part of the biggest Greek immigration in history as he left Kythera and came to America. John Alfier and Marigo met and married in Alexandria, Egypt in 1903. We don’t know exactly when they left Kythera. Their first two children, Gus and Lula, were born in Alexandria. John’s brothers and sisters were all born on Kythera. John came to America first, in 1906, then Marigo joined him with the two children in 1907. She traveled alone with the two small children, Lula only being 6 months old. After arriving in Oakland, they had 5 more children including my great grandfather Milton. Feeling a sense of pride for his family, my great-grandfather, Milton Alfier, joined the army and eventually helped liberate Auschwitz. My grandmother, Yaya Mary Lind, has continued to share the pride he felt for his culture by teaching us grandchildren to cook, speak Greek phrases, and embrace Greek hospitality.
Growing up surrounded by Greek family on both sides, I have always loved everything Greek:cooking with my grandmas and mom, teaching friends how to cook Kourabiedes, listening to stories of our family traveling across the world to America, reading Greek Myths (pretending I was a demigod), greek dancing in front of my elementary school, and always wearing blue and white. Activities like these are only a few of the reasons why I am so proud to call myself Greek. My Greek identity is and always has been one of the things I am most proud of and it is because of the quintessential hospitality and welcoming community that all Greeks possess. I have felt this hospitality all my life, radiating from my family members. I consider myself lucky to be surrounded by this open love.
I have been lucky to have traveled to many places at this time in my life, both the island from my dad’s side of the family, Nyseros, and Kythera. I am proud to have a dual connection to Greece, especially as I continue to appreciate my culture. However, Kythera is the most beautiful and meaningful place of all. Kythera’s peaceful nature helps me feel connected to my culture and feel at home. Its nature reminds me of the values I hold close to my heart and wish to include in my daily life, such as appreciation and respect. I also feel a deep connection with the ocean because of Kythera, and now when I am at a beach at home it reminds me of my culture and has helped me curate a strong appreciation of it as well.
I am excited to continue to embrace my Greek culture as I move through important milestones, such as going to college. I am excited to find ways to keep embracing my culture and am determined to find a kitchen somewhere in my dorm hall to cook Pastitsio on my birthday(a favorite of mine). I am positive I will also continue the welcoming nature of my Greek culture and implement it in my classes and dorm. I am so grateful for my Greek heritage and the extent that my family and I implement it into our daily lives.
