The object that I chose to represent my family's journey to the US was a key hanger plaque. This plaque was brought by my Dad the last time he went to Guatemala. My reason for choosing it is because of what it represents. In my eyes, I see it as a reminder of why my Grandparents had to leave behind for a better life. To be clear their lives in Guatemala weren't in any way horrible. Their reason for coming to this country was to escape the people that were planning on killing my Grandfather, who was the mayor of a little town at the time. In the early 80s, they crossed the border twice since the first time they were caught. They had to leave my Dad and his brothers behind in the care of my Grandma's parents. When they got here, they lived with family members that were already here. Over time they were able to rent an apartment and then bought a house. A couple of years later my parents came to live with them and a little later they had me. Thanks to my Grandparent's hard work I’m here where I am today, and I couldn’t be more thankful. 

– Francisco Azurdia

Relationship:  Grandchild of im/migrant Grandchild of im/migrant