This is a traditional Romanian shirt that one wore when they would go out casually or maybe to a gathering. To me, this is not just a shirt. This type of shirt reflects who I really am and has been passed on from generation to generation. My great-grandmother gave it to my grandmother, who gave it to my mother, who then gave it to me. Each woman who had this shirt carried the strength and the resilience of the generations before them. It is seen as a symbol of where I came from and a reminder that I am truly never alone, as I always have my community to support me. The strength and bravery of my family who wore this shirt always remain with me. This shirt gave my mother the strength and bravery to leave Romania and come to America, even though she came with nothing. She came to America alone, just looking for a better life for herself. Every time someone in my family faced hardship, whether it was a loss or the struggle of starting something new, the shirt was always there to back them up.  This shirt gave me the fearlessness and the confidence I have today, that no matter what, I have my family and community with me. 

– Laura

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