I’ve had this necklace since I was four years old. It was given to me by my mother. She is Cambodian and wearing jewelry is a part of our culture. It was made in Cambodia, and most Khmer (ka-my) people wear jewelry. Some men and women specifically wear a Buddha pendant for good luck or to protect themselves from “evil spirits.” Other pendants would be the lotus flower which represents a reminder to be kind, compassionate, and loving even when life isn’t so nice to you.  So overall wearing jewelry is sacred to our culture and symbolizes different things.             This necklace is also extra special to me because it symbolizes my journey as a person. As a child, I moved so many times. I’ve lived in six cities and went to eight different schools due to the fact my father and mother were separated. This necklace has been with me through the toughest times of my life. During my childhood, I often felt disconnected from the people around me because I was always the “new kid.” And this necklace was there through it all,  It has been with me longer than relationships have lasted. Since then my life has been stable, I'm finally figuring out my personal identity by exploring hobbies, interests, and reflecting off past experiences. Not only has my necklace been with me through my toughest times but the greatest times of my life too. Like winning my first cross country race, riding a bike for the first time, going snorkeling in Puerto Rico above a coral reef, and many more favorable moments. This necklace has shaped my cultural and personal identity. 

– Gizelle Rodriguez

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