Today marks the 17th anniversary of Italian American Girl – a milestone that fills me with immense gratitude and pride. When I launched this blog back in 2008, I could never have imagined the incredible journey it would take me on.
Seventeen years ago, the digital world was just beginning to evolve. Facebook was brand new, Twitter had just launched, and Instagram didn’t even exist. It was a time when connecting with like-minded people online felt exciting and fresh. I started this blog as a way to share my story, connect with others, and celebrate what it truly means to grow up Italian American.
What happened next was beyond my expectations—the site took off almost immediately. The reason? Our strong and loyal Italian American community. From the very beginning, your support was overwhelming. Friends from across the country, and even from Italy and other parts of the world, came together to create a sense of family that extended far beyond the internet. Seventeen years later, those connections are still here, stronger than ever.
Why I Started Italian American Girl
The motivation behind starting this blog was deeply personal. Growing up Italian American is a unique experience—one that shapes your values, traditions, and outlook on life. I wanted to create a space where those experiences could be shared, preserved, and celebrated.
My own story is rooted in the immigrant experience. My father came to this country almost 60 years ago on Columbus Day under circumstances many of us nowadays can’t relate to.( Things you only read about or hear in history) He was the oldest in his family, responsible for helping everyone survive after his father died in World War II. Life in post-war Italy was devastatingly hard. Poverty was rampant, and opportunities were scarce. My father’s uncle worked tirelessly to bring him to America, knowing it was the only way for the family to have a better future.
He came to the United States on a ship—the true immigrant journey—with hope, determination, and the dream of building a better life. Today, my father would have been 93 years old, (he passed away on Columbus Day three years ago on that day ) my father was proof of resilience and sacrifice. Everything I’ve achieved and experienced in my life is because of the foundation he built through hard work and perseverance.
In today’s world, immigration is a hot topic, and while the circumstances may differ, the essence of the immigrant dream remains the same: a chance for a better life. Our Italian American heritage reminds us that the struggles and triumphs of our ancestors are woven into our identity. These stories are worth sharing, not only to honor the past but to inspire future generations to embrace their roots while chasing their dreams.
Living in America and achieving success isn’t easy. For those who don’t speak the language or who arrive with nothing, it can be even harder. But as my father always showed me, hard work, persistence, and community can make the dream possible.
Thank You for 17 Incredible Years
This blog wouldn’t exist without you—the readers, the supporters, and the incredible Italian American community who continue to engage, share, and celebrate with me. Italian American Girl started as one woman’s vision, but it has grown into a platform that connects generations, preserves stories, and celebrates who we are.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being part of this journey for the last 17 years. Here’s to continuing our mission of honoring our culture, telling our stories, and staying connected as a community.
Grazie mille a tutti!
xoxo
Margaret - Forever Your Italian American Girl
