Janice had a hard time relating to boys her age and did not make friends easily. .
It wasn't until high school that Janice's cultural identity changed. During her elementary and junior high years, Janice saw drugs and gangs infesting the streets of her neighborhood. Janice did everything she could to imitate the white people in her community to feel like she was a part of something more than the negative stereotypes surrounding her community. She recalls her African American studies in 10th grade, a private school, opening her eyes to the oppression and guilt that her grandfather had gone through. In this class she found African American classmates who were educated like her and other ethnic backgrounds enjoying each other's company without worrying about the color on their skin. .
Janice states that the most important values in her culture are family, spirituality, independence, service and respect. These values were instilled by her mother and grandfather's teachings and life experiences. Janice believes watching her mother's resilience and independent nature has fortified her independent familial beliefs. Janice credits the church for her spiritual faith and support and gives back to her community by participating in church activities. Janice participates in church service 3 times a week and enjoys the extracurricular activities within the church. Janice considers herself a loyal individual and allows her faith to guide her. Despite having a small family she maintains a close relationship with her mother. Janice states that her values have shaped who she is and she holds her core values close to her heart. .
Janice stated that there was a disconnect in cultural beliefs during her childhood and feels that when she accepted her religion and educated herself on black history she was able to appreciate her families struggles. Janice found interest in her cultural background when she started college at Cal State Dominguez and was living in the dorms.