This DNA Test Might Fully Change Your Understanding of Your Own Heritage

If you're like most of us, you have a sense of what makes you, you. Maybe your family hails from the Ukraine, or perhaps your great grandmother migrated to the states from Asia, and you're pretty sure you know your heritage.

Data from the 2006 Census Bureau suggests that 2%, or 6.1 million people identify as multiracial or multiethnic. Studies suggest that this actual figure is much higher. See this video to get a glimpse into what your results could look like:

Okay, you've watched the videos, and may or may not have shed some tears in unison with some of the participants. After all, it's heavy to have your self-concept shift. Many of us strongly identify with where we believe our ancestors were geographically from, and probably don't have the full story. Luckily there are genome and DNA testing companies that allow you to discover your heritage in a more foolproof way than just going by what your parents or grandparents have told you.

But why invest time, money and energy into discovering your heritage? Does it really matter, whether you know or not? If momondo's video showed us anything, it's that we often strongly identify with our backgrounds, possibly to the point of having a bias toward those who share our heritage, and against those who don't. 

What if we could know that we're more related than we think? What if we could discover that we're 1% Italian, or 2% Southeast Asian, and feel more connected to not just our families, but other families, as a result?

Here are some examples of companies that can get you started on your map to self discovery:

1.momondo free summer contest

It's actually a travel site, but has a summer contest going on. Do you want to win a free DNA test, and get to travel to explore your heritage? If yes, and yes, you can enter here, by August 16, 2016.

2. 23andme $199

23andme is one of the most comprehensive genome tests around, with over 60 personalized reports related not just to heritage and where your ancestors used to live, but also health forecasts.

3. ancestry.com $99

Do you have a long lost relative living in your state you never knew to visit? Ancestry.com has a database of over 2 million people, and has been known to connect you, or at least make you aware of any other family members or relatives who have also participated.