My name is Juliana. I am Hispanic and Italian. Both of my parents’ families immigrated to the United States in the 1950’s, my dad’s family from Italy to Boston and my mom’s family from Mexico to Coachella Valley. Although both sides of my family didn’t want to leave their countries they knew and loved, they believed that moving to the states would be beneficial for their future families. My parents were both raised Catholic and believed in the power of prayer, so in their families’ travels when obstacles would arise they would pray.                 My object is a Rosary. I was taught to pray the Rosary during hardships in life or when you felt that your religion was being tried. When my family was immigrating from Italy and Mexico they were tested and tried many times during their journey. They were called names for their brown and olive skin tones, looked down upon for trying to come to the states, and English not being their first language. Praying was something constant that my family was able to rely on and the Rosary was something they were always able to bring along with them. When my nana on my mom’s side passed, she left me a Rosary she used when immigrating to the states. She told me her story and how she would pray the Rosary every morning and every night. Although I am not as consistent with praying the Rosary as she was, I remember to pray with life gets a little too rough.                 The Rosary is a very special object to me since it was a constant object that both sides of my family were able to use along their journey. 

– JC

Relationship:  Grandchild of im/migrant Grandchild of im/migrant