Natalya Bobich

(Translation: The desire for success should be greater than the fear for failure.) My family is originally from Croatia. I have two older brothers whose names are Nikola and Ivan. We all grew up in the small town of San Pedro located in Southern California. San Pedro is well known for immigrated Croatians from the Dalmatian coastal areas of Croatia. San Pedro Croatians were heavily involved with the fishing industry, shipbuilding and as stevedores (dockworkers). My Grandfather, Angelo, had an excellent reputation as one of San Pedro’s best fishermen. My family is known to be involved with cultural events and representation of our tiny country in California. As a child, I was always involved with the Croatian dance team, language program, and events that were thrown quite often. I started visiting my family in Croatia about ten years ago, and let me tell you, I had the time of my life! In fact, my family is from a tiny island off the coastline of Dalmatia called “Rava”. Since my parents decided to make Croatia a vacation spot and second home after spending so many hard working years in the United States they were able to start working on renovation projects on inherited properties on Rava . I try to return to Croatia as often as possible. It was one of the best experiences that I have had in my life. I have learned not only about my heritage, but the beauty and history that this tiny country offers to the world.