Curiosity struck out of me when I discovered multiple jewelry boxes placed in a pink paper bag tucked away in the back of the closet. Allowing my curiosity to lead the way, I began opening through the jewelry boxes when one specific item caught my eye; a grand golden coin attached to a golden chain. It shimmered out of the box as it contrasted against the black velvet-lined interior. I was intrigued as I wondered to whom all the jewelry belonged to. My mother walked into the bedroom, I began to question her, “where did all of this jewelry come from?” A wave of bliss overtook my face as she explained that the jewelry belonged to me. While pointing to each piece of jewelry, my mother shouted out the names of my immediate relatives. Eventually, while pointing to the golden coin she shouted out my grandmother's name, “Baba Ljuba.” My grandmother picked out the golden coin as it symbolized prosperity, wealth, and positivity. In a short span of wearing the golden coin around her neck, she acknowledged that the jewelry didn’t feel right for her. When I visited my grandmother for the first time in Bosnia at nine months old, she clasped the golden coin attached to the chain delicately around my neck with the same hands that diligently yearned for the coin. The significance of the coin was echoed to me in the first few moments of my life. Today, I hold the cherished golden coin that was passed down from my grandmother, keeping it in close proximity as an inspiring symbol that serves me with a reminder of her hard work and inspiration, guiding me towards my aspirations. 

– Tina Maric

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