My father is French, and grew up in a small village called Courcelles Chaussy. My mom was born in the US, but spent several years living in France with her family. My parents first met at a party in France, and soon after, my dad ended up proposing to my mom in the kitchen of their apartment. They had two weddings: the first in France and the second in America. The French wedding was in 1995; this was the first time both sides of my family met. Soon after the wedding, my parents moved to New York. The object I chose is my mom’s engagement ring. The ring was made in the US, and has a small diamond attached in the middle. I feel that it is one of the main symbols of the wedding; it represents both sides of my family coming together. This day was important to my family, because it was the day my parents got married. It was also the last big event my dad had with his family in France before moving to a country that was new for him. For me, the ring symbolizes both my French side and my American side. My mom is American, but my dad was born in another part of the world and experienced a completely different childhood. Though I live in America, that is an important part of who I am.

– Margot Champigneulle

Relationship:  Child of im/migrant Child of im/migrant