The object that matters most to me is my ring, due to its significant history. The ring isn’t special or expensive, just a simple silver band made of plastic, yet the item is more precious to me than anything else. I bought the ring during my visit to Mecca for Umrah, a significant religious pilgrimage for Muslims. The whole trip to Mecca was a life-altering experience, making me appreciative of my religion. However, the pilgrimage was far from easy. After completing the difficult pilgrimage I found myself experiencing a feeling of pure euphoria. During the few days I remained in this state, I went shopping in the city’s local bazaars. Eventually, I wound up in a small jewelry shop, examining a smooth silver ring with no design besides two simple lines. The ring's simplicity paralleled how I felt at the time, and reminded me of my family's culture, being Pakistanis who pride themselves on being Muslims. The ring and the pilgrimage also made me ponder how my parents must have faced immense struggles during their immigration from Pakistan to America to attain their content lives today. Due to this, I decided to buy the ring. Since returning from Mecca, the ring has become a part of me, offering me comfort in moments of worry while serving as a reminder of the serenity I felt in Mecca, solidifying my pride in being a Pakistani Muslim. Now, whenever I feel troubled, a glance at this ring empowers me, symbolizing my family's culture and the obstacles I conquered during my pilgrimage.

– Bilal Raza

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