These answers surprised me because it seems that although times have changed, many of the moral aspects of the culture have survived the times.
Individual values also played an important role while she was growing up. She believed in being able to choose the type of life she wanted to live, she said that where she came from, women were only expected to get married and raise the family, but she wanted more, she wanted to make her own way in life and not be restricted in the choices she could make. When she came to New York she was overwhelmed at the opportunities that were laid before her, she was able to work, and feel good about her accomplishments. When I asked her what the most important thing in her life was, she said assertively, "Family, because the family is the greatest force in the world.".
My aunt is an accomplished woman, however, her motivation came from many people, one person from her ethnic background that influenced her ideals is Mohandas Gandhi, the Indian anti-violence activist, and she was proud because someone from her cultural background has had a significant impact on the world's development today. Even though she may not have made a significant impact on the entire world, within her family, she has made the greatest impact of all, providing them with safety, food and shelter.
However, even though her life has changed, she is still critical of the fact that women in Guyana are not given the same opportunities as men. She said that even though many women are educated and are qualified for a job, the employer would rather give a job to an under qualified male. While living in the United States, she has learned about the women's rights movements, and she believes that if women in Guyana made their claims more vocal and pushed for equal rights they would be able to achieve it.
Life in Guyana can be very difficult at times; transportation, water, and electricity are not as abundant as they are here, in New York.