I chose an object called La Virgen de Guadalupe, a significant figure in the Catholic Church and important to Mexican culture. Celebrated in Mexico for 492 years, she is a big part of my identity as a devoted Catholic. Before my parents immigrated to the United States, they visited her home at the base of the hill of Tepeyac in Mexico City. They prayed to her for protection during their journey and for prosperity in a new country where they didn't know the language or the people. As I grew older, I became distant from my religion. In my sophomore year of high school, feeling lost, I decided to pray to her for help. Since then, the feeling of loss has disappeared, and I've been hopeful and motivated both at and out of school. She has brought me opportunities in the academic field I never thought I would have had. I have an altar dedicated to her in my room with rosaries, money, and flowers, which makes me feel protected. I pray in front of her whenever I need guidance.

– EM

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