My story begins with the image of Ukrainian Nesting dolls. I chose this image to celebrate my Ukrainian heritage.  My maternal grandparents were born in Ukraine but fled Soviet domination. They left because of religious persecution as well as their nationality. To this day, the Ukrainians are being persecuted by the Russians. They first landed in Paragray  (where my mother was born) and then went onto Argentina, where she was raised and married my dad who is Argentinian. I was also born in Argentina. My grandfather was a pioneer because he was the first one to flee his native country and later did it again; when he came to the United States. He described the United States as a land of opportunity and asked my mom and her family to immigrate here. I came when I was two years old. Even though I was born in Argentina and cherish my culture I also embrace the Ukrainian culture. These nesting dolls are a symbol of who my grandparents were, and everything they sacrificed to come to this land. Every time I look at them, I am reminded of their great journey and sacrifice and of my Ukrainian heritage. 

– Sylvia

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