Jhordan L. Rojas Robles
Food is important for a lot of reasons. It helps us regain energy, gives our bodies nutrients, and keeps us healthy. But food isn’t just about survival, it’s also about culture. It tells stories. It connects us to where we come from and to the people who came before us.
In some cultures, food shows how people used to live, what ingredients they had, what tools they used, and how long it took to cook a meal. With time and technology, things have changed, but the meaning behind food stays strong.
For example, in Ecuador, there are different ways to cook traditional foods. Some dishes require specific steps and family roles. It’s not just about eating, it’s about doing it together. That’s why food matters so much to me.
My name is Jhordan. I’m from Ecuador. Well, I’m Ecuadorian-American. I live in the United States and I’ve grown up in Minnesota, but I’ve visited Ecuador every year since I was three years old. My dad is from a small town called Gualleturo and my mom is from Cuenca. I have family there, and when I’m in Ecuador, I feel free. I can drive a motorcycle, take care of animals, and explore open land. It’s a different way of living, one that makes me feel more connected to who I am.
Even though I live in the U.S., I’ve stayed close to my Ecuadorian roots. We cook Ecuadorian dishes at home, and that’s one way I embrace my culture. I think it’s important to remember where I come from, because life in Minnesota and life in Ecuador are very different, and both are a part of me.
One of my favorite things about Ecuador is the food. I love chaulafán, salchipapa, and ceviche. You can find these dishes in Minnesota too, but the taste is never quite the same. In Ecuador, the food feels more fresh and flavorful. It hits different.
Here in Minnesota, we still cook traditional foods, and that helps keep my culture alive. It reminds me that I’m not just from one place, I’m from both. That dual identity is something I carry with pride.
Gualleturo, my dad’s hometown, is special to me. It’s a small town surrounded by mountains and trees. The roads are mostly dirt, and when you walk around, you see cows in people’s yards, crops growing in fields, birds flying, dogs barking, and motorcycles driving by. It’s peaceful, but also full of energy.
People greet each other when they pass. When there’s a party, the music is loud, people dress up, and the whole town celebrates. Kids play in the cement soccer field late into the night. Even when I arrive tired, I always feel happy to be there.
Now let me tell you a little more about myself.
I’m a junior in high school. My favorite color is black. I like to listen to calming music and artists like Julio Jaramillo. I enjoy taking photos of the sky, it’s something that helps me feel grounded. I love sports like volleyball, fútbol, and a little bit of basketball. I also like rock climbing.
When it comes to food, I like pizza, lobster, and Chinese food here in the U.S. But in Ecuador, my favorites are salchipapa, ceviche, and the ice cream and candy they sell. They’re simple, but full of flavor and memory.
Being Ecuadorian-American means carrying two worlds with me. Wherever I go, my identity goes too. I live in Minnesota, but Ecuador is always with me, in the food I eat, the music I hear, the memories I carry, and the stories I tell.
Culture isn’t something you leave behind. It’s something you live with, and something you share. And for me, it all starts with food.
