Reading through a recent assignment in Writing, we were encouraged to find our family narrative. What makes my family so special? What are some traditions? Well I could name a million and one reasons why I love my crazy family so much, but I don't want people to get too jealous... Anyways, they are great. Growing up as the youngest of eight, I was labeled as the "Mormon". So in a little place like El Dorado California, because we were one of the few Mormon families, we gave the town a proof of a stereotype. People believed "Oh, since the Vonasek family has a million kids, so does every other Mormon," although they may be correct to a certain degree, the Vonasek name was famous in our little town. I'd always start a new year at school and have my teacher read my name off their role. "McKaela..... Vonasek??", "do you know a (insert siblings name here) Vonasek?" I would always reply, informing them that yes, those were my older siblings. Every teacher, coach, and friend I've ever had has taught, coached, or had an older sibling who was friends with my sibling. My teachers would say, "Well Morgan was a real goof-ball in my class" or "Awe, I loved Mitchell, he's such a sweet boy" while all my coaches would say, "Ashley was the best female athlete I've ever coached, I hope you can live up to it Vonasek" or "I thought for sure he'd be playing in the NBA by now." Even my junior year of volleyball my coach asked if I knew an Aaron Vonasek. Turns out she went to high school with him back in the day. My boyfriend in highschool even had connections to my family. Anyone with an older sibling was sure to have known of the crazy Vonasek Mormon family, and that was the first question I'd always receive when meeting someone: "You're Mormon right?" This didn't bother me, but it made me wonder if that's all people cared about around here, and yes I was worried I would be judged just for being "Mormon". I know that that was a silly thing to be worried about, but it's true! I was scared to death that people would judge me for who I am, because it really does define my life. Being Mormon has dictated my entire life. Its made me who I am. It dictates my thoughts, words, and actions. If I were not Mormon, I do not know where i would be in my life, and why would I ever want to imagine what it would ever be like without this blessing in my life. I quickly learned that being "Mormon" wasn't something to be ashamed of, but something I wanted to embrace. Why not share a beautiful thing with people who don't have it? And that's exactly what I began to do. I didn't start forcing people to read the Book of Mormon, or go to church by shoving it in their face, but I decided to be the best example I could be. I wouldnt bring up religion in casual conversation, but the many time I was approached and asked questions, I was more than willing to share. I wanted to invite people in instead of scaring them away with a Mormon rant. I believe this is what my family narrative is about. The Vonasek Family is always determined to do their best, whether it be in school, sports, or the social aspects of our lives. We try to stand out, but not become boastful. We try to excel, but not be full of pride. We try to live our beliefs, but not force it upon others. and that's the Vonasek Family Legacy.
