The Ankh, the ancient Egyptian symbol of life, has been passed down through generations in my family. My great-grandmother gifted it to my mother, who carried it with her when she immigrated to the U.S. from Egypt at 13. Arriving in Pennsylvania, she didn’t speak English and found herself in a predominantly white town where she felt like an outsider. She was bullied for being an ESL student, mocked, and told she would never succeed. 
Through difficult moments, she found strength in the ring. It reminded her of how the Ancient Egyptians, despite skepticism and limited resources, built the pyramids, proving their resilience to the world. Inspired by this, she pursued education, tutoring children throughout high school and introducing others to Egyptian culture. Her passion grew, leading her to become a paraprofessional and later earning her master’s degree in education, graduating cum laude. Now, as a first-grade teacher, a proud United Federations of Teachers member, and a Chapter Leader, she advocates for both students and teachers with the vision to enhance teaching methods and improve ESL student learning. 
Her perseverance inspired me to make the most of my resources, despite being faced with doubt. In high school, I was criticized for taking on leadership roles, but I persevered, ultimately graduating as a salutatorian. As a graduation gift, my mother passed the Ankh ring down to me. Just as it symbolized her resilience, I now wear it as a reminder of my strength and determination to create change, just like the pharaohs.

– HM

Relationship:  Im/migrant Im/migrant