In hispanic culture, jewelry is of significant sentimental value and for my mother and I, it was just that. My mother traveled to this country to create a better future for me and my siblings. Before she had met my father, she had never thought of coming here. This was because my mother knew she wanted to be a teacher from an early age and she had always pursued that dream of hers. My father grew up in the countryside and never knew anything beyond that. Yet, not long after getting together, they both agreed to settle down, because I was born. They both wanted a better life for me and wanted me to grow up in a place of opportunities. While scared about what was to come, she knew that she would always have her faith. While I may not be as committed to the religion as she is, I always make it a priority because it got her through many hardships. I wear a necklace everyday without fail, because it's the necklace my mom gave me the day I was baptized. When I look at this necklace it reminds me of my mother's hope, her bravery and her love. My mother is my role model and her journey, while difficult, was meaningful to her. Even though she had to drop her dreams for us, she says she wouldn't dream of doing it any differently. 

– Lizmey Perez

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