"El árbol de Vida", my grandma said to me while I was laying my head on her shoulder.  The roots of this tree brings to mind where I come from, Ecuador.  No matter where life takes me, Ecuador is an important part of who I am, giving me strength and keeping me grounded.The branches represent my dreams and the different paths my life can take. Each branch stands for a different goal or relationship, showing many opportunities ahead. Each branch blooms reminds me to embrace life's possibilities and stay open to new experiences. This tree of life can also resemble my passion for psychology, and how I would love to pursue becoming a psychiatrist.The tree as a whole stands for endurance and versatility. Trees endure 4 seasons, 4 different types of weather conditions, becoming a new version of their appearance every season to have stability. The "árbol de Vida" necklace reminds me that I can overcome challenges and keep moving forward. This is a powerful symbol of my personal growth and resilience, inspires me to chase my dreams of becoming a psychiatrist, and reminds me to stay strong through life's ups and downs. There’s always a light at the end of the tunnel, my grandma tells me as she puts the necklace on me, you just have to stay strong, putting your time into all your hard work will pay off`.
 

– Val

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