My name is Melida Roldan Gonzalez, but at the school, everyone calls me Ms. Cristina. Me and my family are from Ecuador. I moved to the United States in 2007, but my parents and siblings still live in Ecuador. I met my husband in 2013. He and his family are from Mexico.
Making foods from Ecuador is one way I stay connected to my culture. In the town where I grew up, seafood is a popular ingredient. Some of my favorite foods are empanadas, encebollado, ceviche, and seco de pollo.
When I visit my family in Ecuador, I like to go to the beach. I miss the warm weather of Ecuador so I have to keep a space heater on in the front office.