This object is a map of Korea: symbolizing our family’s culture, religion, and heritage. The map comprises a bible verse, Isaiah 11:10-16, written in traditional Korean calligraphy. My grandparents and my father immigrated to California in 1982, when my father was just a child. They immigrated to America with the belief of obtaining a better life and more opportunities for their children. However, my grandparents did not want my father to forget about his roots, so when he was in 12th grade, they sent him to a three-week summer program at Jeonbuk National University in Jeonju, South Korea. There he learned more about Korean history and culture. At the end of the program, the teacher gave my father this handwritten map. Because the teacher and my father were both Christian, the teacher wrote this special map illustrating Korea and our religion. On the top left the word “Hallelujah” is written in Korean. This word, along with the bible verses, gives my family hope and the drive to push on no matter what. Since 1995, my father kept this map through college, graduate school, and even now. Every time I walk past the map in the living room, I feel a sense of pride to be Korean and remember the struggles my parents and grandparents endured to immigrate to a new and daunting country.

– TC

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