The sarongs I wear at home bring me closer to my Cambodian side. But because I live in America, we barely see anyone wearing them. I’m not sure if people in Cambodia usually wear them but they’re somehow common to Cambodians in Lowell, Massachusetts. Not only that I am Cambodian, I’m also many other things. I’m French, Irish, and Scottish. My mom immigrated from Cambodia to America. She moved around to places from California to Minnesota, to here. My dad was born here but his family immigrated from Europe. My family’s story is unique to me because I have so many questions about my family’s background. I’m mixed which automatically creates even more questions about it. I don’t see my dad a lot so I feel more connected with my Cambodian side. My mom feeds me her country’s food, introduces me to a lot of things related to our culture, and most importantly has given me sarongs. The sarongs give me a sense of belonging. They’re what I’m accustomed to now, meaning that if someone that has no idea what a sarong is sees me wearing this, they would judge my sense of style not knowing that it’s a common skirt in Cambodian households. I can wear it while I’m sleeping, using the bathroom, doing normal things in the house, or even gardening. Sometimes I see other people wearing this doing their own thing. Sometimes I pretend I’m a princess and walk down the stairs holding the sides of my sarong. Even sometimes I’m not scared to walk outside wearing one. The sarongs just connect me to this side of my family I have no knowledge of.

– KP

Relationship:  Im/migrant Im/migrant