I've always loved Barbies, growing up I spent hours playing with them. This Barbie holds a special significance because it was with me during one of the hardest times in my life. This Barbie has the same migration story as I do-part of it at least. She was the only toy I was allowed to bring from Mexico to the United States. When my mother told me I could only bring one Barbie, it took me weeks to decide. I honestly don't even remember why I chose this one. Now that I look back, I had a much nicer mermaid doll that swam. This doll was more than just a toy. It was the only thing from my home I could take to my new home. Throughout each bus ride and plane ride we took during our journey, I hid my worries and anxiety by playing with it. When I got really scared, I held it close to my heart to remind me of home. 

However, unlike my doll, my migration didn’t end when we arrived. As years passed, I forgot about the doll and what it represented, my old home. It wasn’t until a couple of years ago that I found it again and realized another migration I had unknowingly gone through. The home that I had so tightly held on to years ago through my Barbie had turned into an unknown place. Additionally, the land I was so scared of had taken root of my heart and become my new home. Like many people with similar stories as mine, I struggle with identity and where I belong. As I’ve grown up, I have come to realize that home isn’t one place, it’s where you are with the people you love. 

– Jessica

Relationship:  Im/migrant who arrived as a child Im/migrant who arrived as a child