My family immigrated from Puerto Rico to the United States of America. My family’s American story began when my uncle immigrated  to Pennsylvania in 1990. My parents and I immigrated to Chicago in 2012. My mom and my aunt are the most representative of my cultural identity because they have instilled Puerto Rican pride in us by sharing aspects of our history and traditions. My object is a necklace from Corozal, Puerto Rico that has been passed down to me. This necklace is made of white shells and has the image of the Puerto Rican flag on each coconut wood bead. My necklace represents the island of Puerto Rico and the traditions I celebrate with my family. I wear this necklace in Puerto Rican parades and any other events that I want to showcase my Puerto Rican pride. I also wear this necklace when I'm around my family. This necklace is  important to me because parts to make this necklace came from the shells on the island and the wood from coconut trees. It also makes me feel close to my birthplace that I left behind 7 years ago and its beautiful environment.

– Sherly C.

Relationship:  Im/migrant Im/migrant