This suitcase represents my interviewee’s childhood and serves as a reminder of the journeys it carried long before her own. It was a gift from her godmother—someone she deeply admired—who often traveled and returned with stories, memories, and glimpses of the wider world. Through those stories, her godmother became a symbol of curiosity, independence, and possibility.
When the time came for my interviewee to leave her home, she brought that same suitcase with her. Despite newer, more convenient options, she continued to carry it, even as it became worn and difficult to manage. To her, it was far more than an object—it held the memory of her childhood and the bond she shared with her godmother, the person she once did everything with and aspired to become.
Leaving behind her home, family, and friends, she immigrated to the United States in pursuit of the American dream. As she shared in our interview, the transition was far from easy. Not understanding the language made daily life challenging, and she often felt excluded or treated differently because of it. Yet, rather than allowing those experiences to discourage her, she reframed them as opportunities for growth. By immersing herself in different environments and embracing every chance to learn, she gradually developed her language skills and found her footing.
Before immigrating, she had a background in medicine. In the United States, she found comfort and community in the Catholic Church, which became an important support system during her adjustment. There, she met a group of nuns affiliated with a university who recognized her potential and encouraged her to pursue a career in nursing—one that would align with her existing knowledge, compassion, and desire to help others. With their guidance and encouragement, she earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing, followed by a master’s degree that allowed her to become a nurse practitioner. Today, she works full-time in her field, continuing to advocate for immigrant families while also teaching nursing students. She does this not out of obligation, but out of a deep commitment to education, empathy, and giving back to others.
