Many people at the schools I have worked at ask why I always wear a tie, even though I don't have to. I always tell them wearing a tie makes me feel confident, but it also makes me feel proud of where I have come from. 

When I lost my grandfather to Covid in April 2020, it felt like the rug was pulled out from underneath me. In his will, he would leave his neckties to me. He worked a difficult manual labor job, though he owned his own business. He was a taxidermist- and even when he was well into his 70s, he was carrying deer and big game weighing 100lbs or more around the shop and preparing them for mounts. He never worked in an office, went to business meetings, did not attend many fancy dinners or award events, but he had a lot of ties for special occasions like weddings and graduations.

Even though Senior and I were never really affectionate with one another, he spoke highly about me- telling people how proud he was- I think of when my parents renewed their vows and I was asked to speak at the ceremony. He came right up to me, shook my hand, and told me how impressed he was. For a man of few words, that was a rare instance. On that day, I wore a tie he gave me. In addition, his father, who immigrated from Italy via Brazil, made ties for a living. I never met him, but that was a cool addition to this legacy.
 Wearing a tie to work has become part of my identity, reminding me where I come from, the things that were given to me, and how I can remember the sacrifices they made.

– CD

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