The forged silver pendant from the Hong Kong smithery was once bright, shiny, and bold. Its smooth chain signifies the longevity of life, while the powerful pendant represents hope. As I peered at this historical necklace my father passed down to me, I realized that my cultural identity was ingrained into this item. This is my family’s story. This is my story.

My father's well-traveled and well-lived hands passed this apparent moving story into my youthful hands as a symbol of our family.  As a young twenty-two-year-old, my father purchased a one-way ticket from Hong Kong to Merced, California. He initially worked as a janitor making minimum wage but persevered and eventually obtained a more sufficient career. During his journey, my father wove the tapestry of a prosperous future, all while with the same enduring silver necklace around his neck. 
I wear my father’s necklace with pride, daily. Whenever I am unmotivated, I glance down at my necklace. Decades of persistence resurge in my mind as I portray an indelible image of my father embodying resilience and tenacity. It is an absolute representation of the diverse identities that compose the United States—a testament to the shared willingness of how all immigrants took the commendable risk with the noble aim of securing a better future for all future generations. Once I look back up from my necklace, I am replenished with inspiration to provide value to this world. Although no longer bright or shiny, the boldness of the silver necklace and pendant outshines any other object in my life.

– Jonathan Lin

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