Undergraduate / My first name Omowumi, given to me by my mother means: "I love my child" in Yoruba [7]

Here's my common app essay. I am writing about my name and my culture. Let me know any critiques and advice you have on it. How's the general idea of the essay?

A brunette woman a bit taller than I bumbled over next to me, looking down at the attendance sheet, and said, "Class, I would like to introduce you to Oma-woomayy?" She stopped, read over the paper again and uttered, "Woo-MEYE?" None of her young pupils raised their hands. I looked over at her and shook my head no, signaling she had not pronounced my name correctly. Was it so hard to read my name as it was printed? I quickly whispered into her ear the correct way to say my name, and she announced it as I scurried off to my seat. Situations similar to my first day of school have constantly been apart of my life. My first name Omowumi, given to me by my mother, means, "I love my child" in Yoruba. This name is not only a symbol of my identity but also my Nigerian culture. Like many other teenagers, I've constantly struggled with finding the answer to the question, who is Omowumi? I have always had issues with my identifying myself as an African-American, versus African. Although my passport says I'm an American, I've felt more drawn to calling myself Nigerian or African. Telling others about my Nigerian roots always seemed much more interesting than being simply an American. However, I've never felt completely Nigerian either. Not being able to speak the language, nor participate in regular traditions has made me feel disconnected with my Nigerian roots. By not being able to completely identify with either my American culture, verses my Nigerian cultures, makes it difficult to check the box, signifying my ethnicity or racial makeup.

Despite the simplicity of my name, people have always seemed to struggle with articulating it. Most people's names represent their family's background and possible identity. Although my name has ties with my parent's Nigerian background, I have never truly felt connected with that side of my culture. Even though my name says in Nigerian, I am much more connected with American culture.

After that first day of kindergarten, my parents picked me up and I could smell the spicy aroma of tomato stew and jollof rice seeping through the front porch. Once my mother opened the door, a rush of whiffs of food rushed into my nose. In my mind, I could think of the African drums beating and people singing in an intelligible language. Even as a young adult, all of these basic aspects of Nigerian culture surround me each and everyday, but I still have not been able to connect. By not learning how to speak the native language or cook traditional meals, makes me feel detached from Nigerian heritage.

Understanding my racial identity and culture is important as I move onto a higher education. My personal identity ties into my education because of it helps create a stronger foundation. Because I am the first generation born and raised in the United States, being apart of my true culture is important to me. Knowing the roots of my Nigerian culture not only makes me understand where my family comes from, but also helps future generations understand where their culture originated. As I continue my education, being active in my Nigerian culture will ultimately help me become a better student and person. Since I was born, I've been exposed to American culture but I cannot say I am just American. At the end of the day, it doesn't matter whether I am American or Nigerian, but Omowumi Oladipo.