My object is called Finley, which I named, but the original name for the plushie is a blåhaj, Swedish for “Blue shark”. The shark is approximately 47 inches long, about 17 inches wide, is a calm, deep pastel blue color, has 2 orange/tan eyes, a pink mouth, and white teeth and is very soft to the touch, like touching a soft blanket. I use the shark when I'm falling asleep at night to help me rest. It helps a lot because it’s very helpful for me to sleep while holding something close to me. My shark came from Łódź, Poland. I had it when I was 7 and I brought it to the U.S. from Poland to keep. Only I use the shark and nobody else uses it except me. I recently learned that the specific shark I got can represent the LGBTQ+ and trans community, both things I identify as. The shark plushie I have makes me feel very comforted and loved. This object is important to me because I’ve had it for such a long time and it has traveled with me across seas. I remember it as my favorite plushie ever and it will always hold a special place in my heart. This object has traveled with me for such a long time and I have kept it with me all that time. It is very important to me and I plan on keeping it for as long as I can. My story can teach you that even with migration or immigration, we always keep something from our past lives with us. We immigrated to the U.S. in 2016, which was during my lifetime and we have kept many things with us, not just one.

– Eli W.

Relationship:  Im/migrant Im/migrant