Girl Meets Texas Mia

Girl Meets Heritage

"Mia, please tell me you have an actual report on your heritage, unlike those two knuckleheads." Mr. Matthews begged in class. "Well, I planned on having two reports. Then I realized I never figured out who my mom was and now it's too late. My bio-dad never told me anything and my family on his side told me stuff about Texas I already knew. So that failed." She looked at a frowning Mr. Matthews. "And Eric is convinced he is a superhero by night. Senator by day. So I'll take a hat and some cheese please." Mia placed Zay's hat on her head and took some of Riley's cheese in her hands.

"You three aren't from Texas!" Mr. Matthews yelled. "We lived right down the street from each other!" Mia, Lucas, and Zay yelled back, standing up. "Sit down!" Mr. Matthews yelled. "Back to us," Riley said. "Which includes me too," Mia added. Maya started playing the bagpipes and Mr. Matthews yelled, "No!"

"That's Scottish, not Irish." Mr. Matthews told Maya. "There's a difference?" Mia asked. "You're smarter than this." Mr. Matthews told her. Maya then spoke up. Mia looked down in shame. She stood up after a minute and walked to the front of the class. "I chose to do one project. Because I have one real family. Uncle Cory, do you think you can tell me and Riley about our family heritage sometime?" She asked, stepping closer to him. "I would love to." He looked at Mia smiling softly.

"Daddy!" Riley raised her hand. "Daddy?" Riley asked once again. "What!" Mr. Matthews yelled. "You gave me a stupid story," Riley whined. Mia sat down next to Riley. "You all have great stories. That's what makes this world such a peaceful place." He told the class. "No, it's not," Lucas said. "There are conflicts everywhere," Mia added. "You mean cultures clash with each other?" Mr. Matthews asked. Lucas and Mia nodded yes. "Yeah, throughout history," Lucas told him.

"Good boy Lucas." Mr. Matthews smiled. "Good boy Lucas." Maya mocked, throwing him stuff. "Maya!" Lucas warned annoyed. Then a cheese slapped in the middle of his face. "Seriously, Mia?" Lucas asked. Mia gave him a cheesy grin. "There are conflicts because we live in a world with a bunch of different people," Zay spoke up. "Right! Unfortunately, people always fear the difference." Mr. Matthews explained. "Different?" Riley asked. "The unknown," Mia answered. "Anybody who isn't just like you," Mr. Matthews continued.

"From a different country. From a different religion. From a different look." Mr. Matthews gave examples. "And Mia what is our first reaction to the unknown?" He asked. "Fear," Mia answered. "Correct." Mr. Matthews said. "Farkle?" He called on Farkle. "Yes sir?" He asked nervously. "Did you do the assignment?" Mr. Matthews asked. "I did sir," Farkle answered.

"Did you find the story of your ancestors?" Mr. Matthews asked. "I certainly found something, sir," Farkle admitted. "Well, Farkle at least you have a heritage. All Mia and I are the McCheese cousins." Riley looked from her dad to Farkle. Mia cracked a smile shaking her head. "What could be worse than that?" Riley asked. "There are worse things than that Riley," Farkle answered smiling.

"You ready to share something with us Farkle?" Mr. Matthews asked. "Not yet sir. I don't have it all yet. I need to dig deeper." Farkle answered. "More to discover?" Mr. Matthews raised his eyebrows. "A lot more," Farkle admitted. "That's the only authentic thing that has been said today." Mr. Matthews looked at him impressed. "We all need to dig deeper than potatoes and soap and stupid hats." Mr. Matthews told the class. "Where are these stupid hats?" Lucas asked Zay. Mia smiled, looking back at them pointing to the top of their heads. Zay took his hat back from Mia earlier so both boys have their hats backs.

"This is a week to find who you are." Mr. Matthews told them. "Our culture doesn't define us. It's who we are on the inside." Mia spoke up. "This week is for you to find out that culture isn't just found in a souvenir shop." Mr. Matthews continued. "Riley, what's culture?" He asked. "Our stories." She answered. "Find yours." Mr. Matthews told her. "Find yours." He pointed to Farkle. "And you three." He pointed to the boys and Mia. "Learn from each other. Otherwise, we don't stand a chance." He finished.