For my artifact I chose a candle with a picture of the Virgen de Guadalupe on the front of it. Although these candles are pretty easy to find and can be found anywhere you look, they have a special meaning of faith and hope in my family. Mexican families more commonly use the candle, but even if it has a religious figure on the front of them they does not always have a religious motive behind it. For instance, when my grandfather came to America in the 1950’s it was tough getting a job or making money at all with all the discrimination and racism occurring at this period of time. He came to America seeking the American dream and seeking a better future for his family. So, he crossed the border with his belongings that he needed to live off and a candle of the Virgen de Guadalupe due to the fact that it presented a feeling of faith and hope for a better future although it got very tough at times. It was a reminder of our roots and where we came from and it even gives my family appreciation for where we are today.  My mother would constantly tell us stories on how my grandfather struggled on his journey to America, but his candle and the meaning behind it would always keep him striving, keeping him the a positive mindset needed to succeed. So as you can see, this candle is not just for decoration, it is a symbol of faith and hope in my family and has history that makes us really appreciate life and all of the blessings that have been given to us.

– Aaron Rodriguez

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