This necklace given from my grandpa to my dad when he came to America. My dad came from the countryside in a family of six, where survival is by social reproduction. From generation to generation, the family works in a house farm and go to the woods for firewood. In order to survive each of the children had daily labor (cutting trees for wood, using bucket to gather water,etc) and chores, there were not exceptions. The school in China is costly, therefore they didn't go to school. My dad came to America to pursue the 'American Dream' in hopes that his children won't have to go through hardships like he did. In America, my dad got a job in a garment factory and was able to provide a better living condition for all of us; things that he had to do by hand, such as going to the nearest water source to get water for the family, and getting firewood from the wood to keep warm and to cook, was no longer something he or we have to do anymore.

– J.L

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