Project Introductory Essay

Cole Zingas

April 2018

 

Perseverance, Privilege, and Papou:

A reflection on the meaning of family and success

 

The experiences of my grandfather Nick Zingas, the protagonist and main subject of this project, may be relatable to other immigrants of Cypriot culture, Greek culture, or of any other immigrant group for that matter.

 

But there is already plenty of literature on Greek immigration to Detroit – most widely publicized is the novel Middlesex by Jeffery Eugenides. The main purpose of this project is not to hammer home a general sense of the American immigrant spirit, or to document the hardships that immigrants as a group go through, or to highlight the importance of the group in contributing to the United States economy and culture.

 

Instead, this project is meant to be simply, a story. A true story that aims to tell how the actions of one man, through much sacrifice and courage, have guided him and his family in search of meaning and success.

 

The question, then, is, how did my grandfather, who I call ‘Papou’, define success? And how, and why, did he pursue it so relentlessly?

 

This is an essential question for me because of the stage I’m at in life. At the end of this month, my life as an undergraduate in in Ann Arbor will come to a close. Just like that, a new pursuit will begin, launching me into uncharted waters where I hope to find meaning and enjoyment.

 

Our differences in upbringing are stark — Papou slept on the streets; while I slept in a beautiful home in one of the safest, coziest communities in the state. From ages 10-15 Papou lived with no parental figure in the picture, on his own in a big city; while for me, any time something went wrong, my parents were there with unequivocal support.

 

The reason for this project is because of those differences. Without Papou’s lessons passed on to my father, and then to me; without those stories I heard so often growing up – maybe I wouldn’t be where I’m at today. I didn’t experience firsthand the hardships that my grandfather did. Instead, I have relied on his story to teach me what’s important in life. That’s why I am committed to telling his story. So others can learn from his words, actions, and morals like I have.

 

Especially, I believe this is a story important for my family to hear. Getting to the point we’re at — with lawyers, doctors, teachers, and many young, bright people in the family who can take any avenue in life they so choose — wasn’t easy, and I want the story of where we came from to resonate.

 

I think preserving this story digitally is important, so that it’s easily accessible for my younger cousins, my aunts and uncles, and whoever else in the future wants to hear the story. This is not the full story, but it’s what I feel is most important to hear, and read.

 

The project is put together in bits and pieces, attempting to tell a story through Papou’s words as well as photos, illustrations, and my own contemplative writings. Therefore, it’s not essential to go through this website in order, because I believe that each story is individually compelling. However, Papou’s progression from Cyprus, to Detroit, to eventual owner and manager of Mama Mia’s restaurant is a compelling chronological narrative, so if you have the time I would recommend browsing the “Looking Back: The Story” tab in that order.