When my father first moved to New York he was 20 years old. He didn’t have a specific object so he just brought pictures. One of his favorites was when he was in the army with his brothers and his friends on top of a mountain looking at the sunset when he was 18 years old. This specific picture was very important because it brings a piece of his country with him, and a lot of memories. He first wanted to make a change and be challenged because he was very rich and wealthy. It was also because the education in the United States is way better than Egypt and he wanted me as his first child to grow up there. His plan was to first find a job, a home, be successful and raise his kids here. In the 1980’s it felt refreshing and he was ready to “start over” and make a change. My father wanted to bring a picture because it was bringing part of his home and his country with him. He was the only one that came to New York, only with his father. His rest of his family came along in another 20 years. Now my dad has one of the most successful jobs.

– Fares

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