I initially came to American when I was around nine years old with my four siblings and parents. My parents left their families to provide a better educational opportunity for my siblings and me.  After arriving in the U.S, it was challenging to adjust to a new country and culture. I was enrolled in the third grade, and it was challenging to learn English. Eventually, I learned English, but I felt like I was moving away from my culture. I started to explore my culture and traditions and learned about Afghan nomadic jewelry. These jewelry pieces are significant to me because they remind me of my culture and country. 

I purchased these jewelry pieces the last time I visited Afghanistan, and they are mostly worn during weddings, religious holidays, or cultural events. Afghan jewelry date back to about 3000 thousand years and are a big part of my culture because nomadic tribes wore them. Afghan jewelry is mostly worn with Afghan clothes, and the jewelry consists of a headpiece, necklace, and earrings. Over the years, I have acquired a strong attachment to Afghan jewelry since they remind me of Afghanistan. 

As a Muslim American, my experience is similar to the majority of Muslim Americans. I faced challenges in school and society because of my religion since many stereotypes are tied to Muslims after 9/11. In high school, I was the only Muslim in my whole school, so it was difficult fitting in with others. Along my school journey and life, I never felt ashamed of my identity and always embraced who I was. 

– AW

Relationship:  Im/migrant who arrived as a child Im/migrant who arrived as a child