When I was in high school, I found my great-grandmother's diary in her old house in Queens Village, NY. I read bits of it from time to time, to peek into American life nearly 100 years ago. She kept it from ages 17-22, and it is remarkably similar to what a modern teenage girl's diary might be. She writes of the boys she finds "swell" and describes the moment she met my great-grandfather. One of my favorite entries reads, "Maybe he likes me — I hope so. I adore him, but I'd never have the nerve to call him up. I'm glad he doesn't really like Jane." Another reads, "Had an interview with Miss Munn after school today. She told me I was lazy — what nerve!" Seventeen-year-old me instantly felt a connection. It was amazing how modern her experiences felt. 

– Kayla

Relationship:  Great-grandchild of im/migrant or more Great-grandchild of im/migrant or more