Candy reflects on the rich histories of immigrants and how they shape our futures.

For as long as history has been documented, immigration has been a part of it. However, not often is the story of immigration told as one that deeply enriches our cultures, connects people and places, and diversifies our surroundings. People who immigrate bring all of who they are with themselves—their language, their culture, and their unique stories—proudly painting the corners of the world they take up. They tell stories to their children and the unknown ones that will come after, teaching them sacred things.

I am one of these descendants, and people like me will continue telling our stories. In this way, a rich history co-created by generations upon generations arises, with the stories becoming more and more expansive. From these new histories, rooted in the present, erupts an array of opportunities for connections to be made.

When we think about immigrants and immigration, we might challenge ourselves to consider what it means to exist as someone else. Doing so creates opportunities to explore our ever-changing world and the many faces of humanity.

To the elders who immigrated, 

we adore you. 

We thank you for who you are. 

We thank you for how you have stood.

To the elders who didn’t, 

we treasure you—you are still our homes.

You were brave enough

to dream, 

to hope, 

and to stand with perseverance in all things.

Each one of you carrying generations of endless possibilities that would be born through you 

and made real through us.

Our elders carefully foraged paths from the homes they left

to the homes we share now. 

These paths made a constant connection between us,

our heritage,

and all the beautiful ones who came before us.