This object is a portrait of the Virgin Mary. This object is from Mexico. This object is used for praying. People pray to the Virgin Mary in Mexico. My mother, Maria S. Lezama, used this object to comfort her. She also uses it for praying for us. This object is made out of wood. It has the Virgin Mary in the middle of the portrait. The Virgin Mary has a green cape, with a big dress under it. The texture of the portrait is hard. Back in Mexico, they call the Virgin Mary “Virgin Guadalupe”. I chose this object because my mother kept the Virgin Mary in mind to comfort her. My mother was scared to come to America. She prayed that the Virgin Mary will keep her safe. This object teaches me about my culture because, back in Mexico we pray to the Virgin Mary for any problems we have. My mother arrived to America in the year 1993 at the age of fourteen. She stayed in her father’s apartment with some other relatives too. My mother wanted to get a job, so that she could help her father with the rent.One comment that I have for my mom is that, I think it is natural for a fourteen year old to feel scared about going to a new country. I am also inspired by how my mother, Maria S. Lezama, prayed to the Virgin Mary to keep her comfort and safe.

– Jacqueline Tiros

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