Although this necklace wasn’t really passed down through generations, it still represents a part of my culture. My maternal grandparents are very dedicated to practicing their religion of Buddhism, even though they don’t live in Thailand anymore. As you can see, the image of the Buddha is meditating in the lotus position. Through meditation the individual can get in touch with him/herself and contemplate on how they can stop any form of suffering. When my Kun Yai and Kun Tha (grandmother/grandfather) first came to America, they wanted to go back after their education but they started having kids. When my aunt Apple was 2 months old, they had to send her back to Thailand with my great-grandmother because my grandparents were too busy with their careers to take care of her. At around 13 months old, my aunt returned to America with her great-aunt and for a little while, she called out for her grandmother because she was the one who took care of her in Thailand. My great-grandmother would eventually live the rest of her life in America with her only daughter & her family. Unlike my mom, my dad was born in the Philippines and came here when he was only 12 years old. I practice some traditions like going to the temple for religious events and get-togethers. I appreciate my culture and hope to pass these traditions through many more generations. 
 

– B.K.N

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