In plain sight, this might just seem like a typical gold chain found at your local jewelry store. Although, this chain has a lot more meaning behind it which makes it priceless. A week prior to my tenth birthday, my grandma came back from India and told me she had a special gift. A soon to be ten-year-old could only imagine so many things that it could be such as a new bike or a small sum of money. On the day of my birthday, I got a small little fabric cube that contained a shiny gold chain with a pendant. Etched into the pendant was the sacred symbol “Om”, which represents purity, divinity, and truth. At the time I did not understand the complex meaning of this, but a few years ago is when I realized the significance. My grandmother, unlike me and my family, is extremely religious and prays every day. When she gave me the chain she told me it will protect me from bad vibes, but I was in disbelief. My thoughts on the chain were soon changed when everything in my life slowly started to get better. Placebo or not, wearing the chain made me be in a better mood, increased my motivation, and I started to academically succeed. Traditionally in my family, all men in the household have a gold chain which was given to them by their grandmother. The gift of the chain not only meant a gift of protection but also the transition from a child to a young adult. The chain represents my culture and traditions and I will always be thankful for it.

– Chandra Singh

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