When I came to the US, I was 10-years-old. Before I came here, my mom gave me a sketchbook because she noticed that I was artistically talented. That's what my mom told me but  I am not sure because I don't remember. She always wanted me to reach my dreams, no matter what I wanted to do as an adult. As years passed, my mom kept encouraging my artistic talents because she saw how much I loved to draw. She gave me the sketchbook and she said: “Hija, yo quiero que siempre alcances tus sueños y metas. También quiero que nunca te des por vencido.” The sketchbook is very special to me because it reminds me of the day my mom told me to follow my dreams no matter what I wanted to do as when I grow up. I want to become is a forensic scientist and a detective. This is the dream I want to accomplish. I came to the US where I could fulfill many goals that I never thought I could have reached. The idea that I should never give up on something, accompanies me every day. The sketchbook represents my identity because I'm a hardworking person and I'm not a quitter. 

– Gabriela

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